693.949/12–2851: Telegram
The Chargé in the Republic of China (Rankin) to the Secretary of State
798. Re mytel 773, Dec 211 and Polit Sects Weeka 51–52.2 FonMin told me today members FonOff Comite Legis Yuan extremely difficult in yesterday’s secret meeting where they grilled him six hours re Jap treaty and related questions. He indicated continued confidence US wld not modify Formosa policy to detriment of Chi Govt and people [Page 1874] of this island. However, he found himself in difficult position when forced admit he did not know what transpired between Yoshida and Rusk or Yoshida and Dulles in Toyko re proposed Chi-Jap Bilateral Treaty. Certain Yuan members regard this as further evidence of impending US deal with UK behind Chi Govt’s back in effort appease ChiComs re Korea, etc.
FonMin expressed to me most earnestly his hope and belief US wld make no commitments affecting Chi in Truman-Churchill meeting3 without full prior consultation with Chi Govt.4
- The reference telegram, not printed, reported that the Chinese Foreign Minister was anxious to learn whether or not the Japanese intended to conclude a bilateral treaty with the Chinese National Government (693.949/12–2151). For documentation on this subject, see vol. vi, Part 1. pp. 777 ff.↩
- The Weeka telegrams under reference, which consisted of summaries of developments in the Republic of China during the preceding weeks, are not printed.↩
- British Prime Minister Winston Churchill was to visit Washington for meetings with President Truman in January 1952.↩
- Telegram 507 to Taipei, January 7, 1952, replied as follows: “FYI Dept sees no prospect that basic US policy and attitude toward Formosa will be modified either as result Churchill–Truman conversations or Korean cease-fire, if such eventuates.” (693.949/12–2851)↩