Foreign Relations of the United States, 1952–1954, East Asia and the Pacific, Volume XII, Part 2

690B.9321/3–1554: Telegram

No. 156
The Secretary of State to the Embassy in the Republic of China¹

secret
priority

Washington, March 17, 1954—6:13 p.m.

775. Part I.

Bangkok’s 1867 and 1900 to Department² indicate north evacuation winding up March 18 with possible stragglers till March 31. We attempting insure latter provided for (our 1813 to Bangkok)³ but consider March 31 cut off date Tachilek. Embassy Taipei suggest to Foreign Office it may wish communicate directly with jungle generals soonest that there no longer reception facilities in north after that date. Same time take occasion ascertain Chinese Government’s intentions re disavowal and undertaking not supply those remaining. Last public statements this effect were Joint Committee press release October 29⁴ (Bangkok’s 843 to Department)⁵ and reiteration same by Tsiang in UN October 31.⁶ Suggest Chinese Government may wish renew assurances publicly, also make clear directly to leaders remaining Chinese Government can no longer assume responsibility their behalf.

Part II.

Believe desirable notify foreign forces not only of time evacuation facilities withdrawn but of termination cease-fire and guarantees immunity from detention implicit in evacuation plan. Embassy Rangoon authorized inquire of GUB whether it desires Committee convey any information to foreign forces re what disposition it proposes make of Chinese irregulars who surrender after cease-fire ends. UN resolution December 8 urged continuation efforts for internment as well as evacuation and governments concerned appear obligated give some attention this aspect their responsibilities before operation entirely closed out.

Part III.

Re last sentence Taipei 515.⁷ US and Chinese Governments share expenses airlift military prisoners same basis as regular evacuees. Assume Chinese Government understands this.

Dulles

1. Also sent to Rangoon; repeated to Bangkok.
2. Neither printed.
3. Telegram 1813, Mar. 16, urged that the Joint Committee keep a small force at Tachilek between Mar. 20 and 31 to provide for stragglers. (690B.9321/3–1554)
4. See footnote 2, Document 117.
5. Not printed.
6. For the record of Tsiang’s statement before the First Committee, see U.N. document A/C.1/SR.653.
7. Not printed.