Foreign Relations of the United States, 1950, East Asia and the Pacific, Volume VI

794A.5/7–2350: Telegram

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

top secret

Taipei, July 23, 1950—3 p. m.

111. Delivered message to Foreign Minister Yeh this noon as instructed by Deptel 61, July 22.

He requested me reply that Chinese Government intends observe its commitment, that only violation has been unfortunate incident involving British ship¹ for which Chinese Government offered apology and compensation and that Chinese Government preparing memorandum for ComSeventhFlt regarding Communist attacks on small islands off mainland.

Apart from foregoing, Yeh indicated Chinese Government considering withdrawal from Chinmen despite “great importance to both China and US”. Plan calls for mining of waters around Amoy and holding aircraft in readiness defend evacuation in event Chinese Communist air force attempts intervene.

Also passed to Yeh substance Deptel 55, July 21.

Yesterday informed Chen Tai-Chu accordance Deptel 56, July 21² and reiterated to Yeh today.

Strong

1. The incident referred to involved the strafing of the British motor vessel Glenearn by Chinese Nationalist Air Force planes on July 15 resulting in the wounding of two crew members.
2. See footnote 1 to telegram 74, July 17, from Taipei, p. 381.