Office of the Historian

794A.00/7–750: Telegram

The Secretary of State to the Embassy in China

confidential
Washington, July 7, 1950—7 p. m.

15. Fol is substantive portion Chi Emb aide-mémoire dated July 7:

  • “1. In view of the continuous and increasing milit movement along the coast of the mainland of China apparently in preparation for invasion of Formosa, the Chi milit command deems it imperative that air and naval reconnaissance shld be continued. Strict orders, however, have been issued not to take any other action.
  • 2. The Chi milit command in Taiwan considers it highly desirable to set up a system of direct communication with the 7th Fleet of the US for the purpose of exchanging info directly and ensuring the quickest possible communication. The Chi Govt, therefore, recommends that the 7th Fleet set up its own system of communication in Taiwan and possibly also assign a ship to be stationed at Keelung for facilitating such purpose.
  • 3. The Chi Navy will continue to exercise the right of visit and search on ships flying the flag of the Republic of China or the Chi Commie flag in territorial waters of China or on the high seas in order prevent Chi ships from carying milit supplies to Commie-held ports.
  • 4. Chi Govt will appreciate it if US Govt wld see its way to make appropriate representations to Brit Govt with a view to preventing milit supplies from being shipped from Hong Kong to Commie-held ports.
  • 5. Chi Govt wishes to call attn of US Govt again to fact that Chi Govt is at present maintaining positions on a nr of islands such as Lintin and Lema Islands off Canton, Kinmen Island off Amoy, Matsu Island off Foochow, Tachen Islands off Chekiang Province, etc. These island positions, together with those on the Pescadores, form part of the defense of Taiwan. They are guarded by considerable nr of ground troops with the support of air and naval forces. They have been, however, under constant attacks by Chi Commies, and Chi milit command feels obliged to resist these attacks in self-defense. Chi Govt will appreciate it if US Govt wld indicate its views regarding the matter.”

Dept studying these questions, which similar to those mentioned urtel 11 July 4,1 and will inform you when decisions reached.

Acheson
  1. Not printed.↩