794A.5/7–2450: Telegram
The Chargé in China (Strong) to the Secretary of State
112. After transmission mytel 111, July 23, Foreign Minister Yeh telephoned me following which he wished substituted for briefer statement in reference telegram:
[Here follows the quoted text of the statement by Foreign Minister Yeh. It indicated that the Chinese Government would continue to abide by its commitment to the United States on suspension of hostile action against the mainland and shipping on the high seas, but wished to call attention to Communist attacks on the island positions since June 27. To abide by the commitment, the Chinese Government had felt compelled to abandon outer Lintin Island. Chinmen Island, which was considered vital to the defense of Taiwan and the Pescadores, had been bombed twice and an invasion fleet was being assembled on the mainland abreast of Chinmen. Since the Seventh Fleet would not defend the island, the Chinese Government might have to use air and naval support in its defense. Even in the event of its abandonment, such support might be required in the withdrawal to avoid exposure of the 70,000 troops there to Communist air and naval attack.]
As personal comment, Yeh added statement that he could assure US Government that no offensive action would be taken against Communists, that despite reports that attack may be imminent, any action taken will be defensive.
It seems certain that Chinese Government intends withdraw from Chinmen inasmuch as its barrage of warnings about dangers to outlying islands has not altered US position. US will no doubt be made complete scapegoat for all lost positions despite fact that they are indefensible except on short-term basis and have mainly nuisance value.