Foreign Relations of the United States, 1952–1954, China and Japan, Volume XIV, Part 1

793.00/9–654: Telegram

No. 281
The Acting Secretary of State to the Embassy in the Philippines¹

top secret
priority

Washington, September 6, 1954—2:49 p.m.

Tedul 19. Eyes only Secretary from Acting Secretary. I read your Dulte 5² to the President a few minutes ago. His estimate and conclusion agrees with your own. He feels it would be a great mistake to undertake assist defense of Quemoy unless reasonably certain it can be held, and in view of nearness to mainland and other factors he is inclined to question ability to hold indefinitely, particularly if as seems likely Communists are willing to accept very heavy casualties to gain political objective.

I am having meeting tomorrow with Anderson and Radford and will try to get firm estimate and definite recommendations, which will be transmitted immediately to you.

Smith

1. Drafted by Smith.
2. Document 278.