794A.5/11–350: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Embassy in China
414. Ur 601 Nov 3.1 Dept anticipates that Navy may from time to time wish make changes in strength units of 7th Fleet assigned Formosa Mission and believes that it wld be undesirable for U.S. make any public statement or explanation re such changes, which of course do not affect mission of 7th Fleet. Deterrent effect 7th Fleet re Chi Commie attack believed lie more in announced mission Fleet rather than actual strength. Fleet mission remains unchanged. Dept accordingly believes any Chi nervousness re changes in composition 7th Fleet without basis. If you asked re reason for such changes you may reply informally along these lines.
- Not printed. It mentioned the possibility of serious concern in Nationalist Government circles over impending reductions in the size along with personnel changes in the high level command of the United States Seventh Fleet (794A.5/11–350).↩