794A.00/7–2050: Telegram
The Chargé in China (Strong) to the Secretary of State
99. Deptel 35, July 15.1 Following are some of more necessary reforms needed in Chinese Government dealings with Formosans:
Fair distribution and collection of taxes and special levies as between mainlanders and Formosans.
While Nationalist Government restricted to Formosa, greater representation in national affairs for Formosans in view of fact they are bearing greatest part of burden.
Admitting right of Formosans to help defend island, and furthering that right.
Means of recourse to Formosans abused by mainlanders.
Elimination of squeeze by predominantly mainland officials, by providing channel for information which will protect informants.
Differentiation between opposition to government measures and pro-Communism.
Elimination of competing secret police groups.
Cleaning up police and judicial systems, with following specific goals: no arrest without cause and only by regular police (not secret police); families to be informed at once of whereabouts and allowed to provide daily necessities without payment of squeeze; prompt declaration of charges against those arrested; public trial within reasonable time by civil court, not military court; defendant to be permitted counsel; sanitary conditions of detention not unusually detrimental to health, no physical tortures; means of recourse by family or employer to gain information or protest conditions without reprisal.
Any effort by US Government to force Chinese Government into foregoing must be made in company with general approach to Chinese Government on wide range of matters relating to Formosa or must be coupled with positive assurance that in protecting Formosan interests we do not intend unseat Chinese Government or challenge its authority here and will encourage Formosans cooperate with Chinese Government. In either event US Government must establish means of following through on its demands.
- Not printed. It asked for specific recommendations on reforms by the Chinese Government for which the United States should press (794A.00/7–1150).↩