794A.00/8–350: Telegram
The Chargé in China (Strong) to the Secretary of State
180. No reply received yet from Foreign Office on my inquiry made July 31, in accord with Deptel 95, July 31.1
[Page 412]At time my guess was that either Chinese Government beginning withdrawal from Chinmen and attack was made to discourage Communist efforts to intervene, or Chinese Government decided make test case to see how far US Government prepared to go in face Chinese Government defiance. Is noteworthy that event occurred and announcement made 2 days after Generalissimo learned of MacArthur intention visit Formosa.
In discussion with Attachés this morning they expressed opinion that attack and announcement of it was deliberate test case. Air Attaché states he recently learned CAF has been carrying out other bombing and strafing missions on mainland which have been kept secret.
I am of opinion Chinese Government believes can defy Washington.
Shall request Foreign Minister this afternoon to expedite reply to my inquiry.
- Not printed. It requested Mr. Strong to seek full information from the Foreign Ministry concerning an announcement from Chinese Air Force Headquarters on Taiwan, dated July 30, stating that Chinese Air Force fighters and bombers, to frustrate Chinese Communist attempts to invade Quemoy Island, had resorted to self-defense measures by sinking and damaging more than 150 Communist ships in the area of Quemoy. (794A.00/7–3150; 994A.61/7–3150)↩