794A.5/8–350: Telegram
The Chargé in China (Strong) to the Secretary of State
priority
178. Implementation of decisions apparently taken by MacArthur in meetings here is under way with arrangements being made to put three squadrons of USAF jet fighters into Taiwan by end of this week. Understand bulldozers and cement mixers to be moved in to extend runways for use of jets. Air attaché trying delay move until suitable fuel and facilities available.1
Several transport aircraft from Okinawa and Manila arrived unheralded yesterday. Two C–54’s due from Tokyo tomorrow. Ministry National Defense liaison section severely criticizing attaches for failure obtain prior clearance. May be Nationalist deliberate attempt discredit attachés.
[Page 411]Absolutely no information given attachés including Jarrett2 on talks or on decisions made by MacArthur. During his visit here only event on which attachés included was briefing in war room of Ministry National Defense, as result my request to Struble to include attachés in all doings. According to attachés, briefing included much misinformation Foreign Office. Yesterday contacted Admiral Jarrett direct and stated Generalissimo would receive him. Jarrett made call as requested.
I was not informed of hour of MacArthur’s departure, nor was I able to find out in time. Departure occurred an hour earlier than stated in previous plans. As result I was unable be at airfield for departure.
Communication team of some 12 men who arrived here July 31 prior to MacArthur to handle his communications are still here, without orders.
Visit by MacArthur undoubtedly boosted morale on Formosa, especially of ranking authorities. Press looking forward to large military mission from SCAP, demanding military aid as a right, and predicting early world war and return to mainland. Earlier feeling over refusal to use Chinese troops in Korea now soothed. Authorities feel situation well cared for in hands of MacArthur, who will straighten out US policy toward Formosa and Nationalist Government.
Former naval attaché, still here as assistant naval attaché after being relieved by Jarrett, received letter from Admiral Struble reprimanding him for reporting to CNO nature of Struble’s conversations here during his visit Taipei July 8 and 9 and stating he (Struble) would determine what to communicate to CNO re his conversations and decision.
Formosa seems to be on verge of joining close corporation to north.
- In a memorandum dictated following the NSC meeting on August 3, Mr. Acheson said that he questioned Secretary Johnson and General Bradley as to whether they had any information about the stationing of jets on Formosa. Both replied in the negative and General Bradley said he would be opposed to it. They agreed to look into the matter at once. (NSC 37 Series)↩
- Rear Adm. Harry B. Jarrett, Naval Attaché at Taipei.↩