Office of the Historian

126. Telegram From the Secretary of State to the Embassy in the Republic of China1

Bangkok, February 24, 1955—8 p.m.

60. Taipei eyes only Ambassador Rankin from Robertson. Before leaving Washington Secretary received invitation from Generalissimo through Ambassador Koo to visit Taipei on way home from Manila. Both President and Secretary think visit highly desirable and Secretary now planning arrive Taipei March 3, 11:15 a.m., depart 5 p.m. However, there is remote possibility developments requiring presence in Washington may necessitate bypassing Taipei. Obviously no public announcement should be made until uncertainty resolved. Would 3 days prior notice be sufficient to avoid inconvenience Generalissimo? If you think desirable, you might explain situation to Generalissimo emphasizing that Secretary is particularly anxious to make visit and will certainly do so unless emergency prevents. Would appreciate your comments.2

Dulles
  1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 110.11–DU/2–2455. Secret. Received in Washington at 2:24 p.m. Repeated for information to the Department as Dulte 7 which is the source text.↩
  2. Telegram 41 from Taipei to Bangkok, February 25, repeated to the Department as telegram 589, stated that President Chiang would be glad to see the Secretary on March 3 and invited him for luncheon. (Ibid., 793.11/2–2555)↩