Foreign Relations of the United States, 1951, Korea and China, Volume VII, Part 2

793.00/8–1451: Telegram

The Chargé in the Republic of China (Rankin) to the Secretary of State

secret

Taipei, August 14, 1951—2 p. m.

214. Remytel 174 August 6.¹ Substance Deptel 124 August 10 discussed with FonMin yesterday. He insists ChiGovt has discouraged every possible way discussion of Li Mi operations from Burma against Yunnan and that there has been no public assumption responsibility. However ChiGovt cannot be responsible for indiscriminate use of “Nationalist” in press desps by fon correspondents or for their attribution various alleged statements to unnamed ChiGovt officials.

Foregoing supported by my own observation. Stories re Li Mi appear originate Rangoon and Saigon. Fon correspondents in Taipei naturally try to get in picture and of course gossip available here which can be made appear more or less auth. Local AP correspondent reports his inquiries at MND and other govt offices evinced desire of ChiGovt not to publish Li Mi operation.

Rankin

1. The reference telegram reported a conversation with an official of the Chinese Foreign Office, who had minimized the importance of a press report that Li Mi’s forces had invaded Burma from Yunnan (793.00/8–651).