Office of the Historian

794A.00/6–2250: Telegram

The Acting Political Adviser in Japan (Sebald) to the Secretary of State

top secret
Tokyo, June 22, 1950.

605. From Dulles. General MacArthur has given Secretary Johnson and me copies of a memorandum on Formosa dated June 14, 1950,1 in which he traces the strategic importance of Formosa as well as its importance as a political area to western ideology. He states, “There can be no doubt but that the eventual fate of Formosa rests with the US”. His memorandum concludes with the following:

“Formosa has not yet fallen to Communist domination. There are conflicting reports as to the capability and will of the Chinese Nationalist forces as now constituted and equipped to prevent either the military or political conquest of the Island of Formosa. I cannot predict what the cost may be of preventing Communist domination of that island, although I have advised the Joint Chiefs of Staff what the cost may be if such an event transpires. I am satisfied, however, that the domination of Formosa by an unfriendly power would be a disaster of utmost importance to the US, and I am convinced that time is of the essence. I strongly believe that the Commander-in-Chief Far East should be authorized and directed to initiate without delay a survey of the military, economic and political requirements to prevent the domination of Formosa by a Communist power and that the results of such a survey be analyzed and acted upon as a basis for US national policy with respect to Formosa.”

In consequence of my discussion with MacArthur concerning this memorandum and his views on the subject, it was apparent to me that MacArthur himself stands ready to undertake the recommended survey. MacArthur also made it clear that unless it were possible for him personally to make such survey it would be impracticable to make [Page 367] detailed recommendations regarding methods of accomplishing the desired end. [Dulles]2

Sebald
  1. For the complete text of this memorandum printed as an annex to the memorandum of conversation by Ambassador Jessup of the Blair House meeting held on June 25, 1950, see vol. vii, p. 161.↩

  2. The Department of State sent the following reply in telegram 470, June 22, 6 p. m., to Tokyo:

    “Appreciate info Tokyo’s 605, Jun 22. We assume urtel for info only and that Sec Defense is action channel. Implications being studied by Dept.” (794A.00/6–2250)

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