Office of the Historian

794A.00/7–1450: Telegram

The Chargé in China (Strong) to the Secretary of State

secret
Taipei, July 14, 1950—11 a. m.

60. Chen Tai-chu called on me last evening state that recent information from very reliable sources leads belief Chinese Communists preparing attack Chinmen or Formosa soon.

He went on that Chinese Government thus considers CAF must bomb airfields and troop concentrations on mainland, as necessary defense measure, and Chinese Government hopes US Government will agree.

I told Chen would forward Department and ask for reply.1

Then pointed out Chen that in May attachés and self were criticized in local official circles for thinking attack could come this summer, now those same officials have changed minds and think attack imminent; it would be interesting know why they disagreed before but suddenly in recent days agreed.

Strong

  1. The Department of State sent the following reply in telegram 30, July 14, to Taipei:

    “Pls indicate Chen Tai-chu that projected bombing airfields and troop concentrations on mainland wld be contrary to President’s directive June 27 and that USGovt unable agree to Nationalists taking such action.” (793.00/7–1450)

    Mr. Strong informed Chen Tai-chu of the above reply on July 15 (telegram 66, July 15, from Taipei; 793.00/7–1550).

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