793.00/11–154: Telegram
No. 374
The Ambassador in the Republic of
China (Rankin) to the Department of
State
priority
318. Department pass CINCPACFLT and COMSEVENFLT. Taipei’s 317.1 Defense Minister told me today he considered Chinese Air Force must retaliate for today’s Communist raid on Tachen where five killed and seven injured. He was expressing personal opinion as he had not seen President since raid occurred and remarked that as Minister he was not directing actual military operations.
I expressed hope General Chase would be kept fully informed and that if retaliation decided upon it would be appropriate to present occasion. He assured me on both points as far as he was concerned. Minister went on to say this Communist raid and unavoidable GRC retaliation probably would result in expansion of hostilities. I remarked this would depend in large part on Communist intentions and that after couple of exchanges situation might well quiet down again. He thought not although he did not want fighting to expand since GRC not ready.
Yu then asked me what Seventh Fleet would do about Tachen raid. Replied I did not know. He then urged Seventh Fleet at least put in appearance around Tachen with carriers. Minister saw no reason why they should become involved in fighting but such tangible evidence of US interest he considered best means of deterring Communists from expanding conflict.
- Telegram 317 from Taipei, Nov. 1, reported a Chinese Communist bombing attack on the Tachen Islands. (793.00/11–154)↩