Office of the Historian

CA Files: Lot 56 D 625: Telegram

The Naval Attaché at the Embassy in the Republic of China (Jarrett) to the Commander, Seventh Fleet (Martin)

secret
Taipei, April 11, 1951—2 p. m.

110600Z. At his request, I had interview with Generalissimo morning 11 April. Also present were Gen Chou Chih-Jou, Dr Wang Shih-chieh, Chief of Presidents Secretariat,1 Shen Chang-huan Govt Spokesman. Plus 2 aides. Highlights of visit:

a.
During discussion [garbled group] Tokyo Gimo inquired about latest prospects ChiNats getting POL for military over which question he is quite concerned.
b.
Gimo appeared genuinely perplexed over recent change command of 7th Fleet,2 Seemed to feel such change either forerunner or follow up of change in US official policy toward Taiwan which might not be best interests of ChiNats.
Comment: Practically impossible for most Chinese to comprehend western democratic system of normal rotation and relief, especially of high ranking officers.
Characteristic of Chinese never relieve a winner.
c.
Gimo inquired as to job Maj Gen Chase3 will have on arrival Taiwan. Also inquired as to relationship of Chase to me as Senior Military Attaché and to Chinese military.
Comment: Though he did not so state, Gimo gave appearance of thinking Gen Chase might be coming here to assume position similar that of late Gen Stilwell4 as Gimos Chief of Staff with demand and strong backing of highest level US Govt for Chase take actual control China’s military.

  1. Wang Shih-chieh was Secretary-General, Office of the President, Republic of China.↩
  2. Vice Adm. Harold M. Martin had replaced Vice Admiral Struble as Commander, Seventh Fleet, on March 28.↩
  3. Maj. Gen. William C. Chase had been appointed Chief of the newly-established Military Assistance Advisory Group, Formosa.↩
  4. Lt. Gen. Joseph W. Stilwell, Commanding General, U.S. Army Forces, China-Burma-India, and Chief of Staff to Generalissimo Chiang Kai-shek, Supreme Commander, China Theater, 1942–1944.↩