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

690B.9321/6–254: Telegram

No. 165
The Ambassador in Burma (Sebald) to the Department of State¹

secret

Rangoon, June 2, 1954—4 p.m.

1166. Taipei’s 652 to Department, 123 to Rangoon.² From informal conversation on KMT problem with Prime Minister U Nu yesterday, I gather GUB reasonably satisfied this problem solved. U Nu expressed hope no further assistance of any kind would be given those remaining behind. I replied Chinese Government not interested in stragglers and on basis its helpful attitude during evacuation he could be certain no assistance any kind would be forthcoming. US Government had from beginning made clear its attitude which remains unchanged.

While statement by joint committee would be helpful, I consider Chinese Government should issue statement completely disavowing any troops remaining behind as previously promised. I hope, however, that such statement would be designed to clear atmosphere of suspicion, would not be self-serving, and would tend improve understanding with GUB. If these criteria cannot be met, it would be better statement were not made.

Prior Chinese Government issuing statement, however, believe essential GUB be informed efforts made toward fourth phase evacuation and reasons why committee considers further efforts hopeless.

Sebald

1. Repeated to Bangkok and Taipei.
2. Telegram 652, June 1, reported that Li Mi issued a public statement on May 29 formally announcing the completion of the evacuation and the liquidation of the “Anti-Communist and National Salvation Army of Yunnan Province”. It also reported that the Chinese Government felt no more troops could be evacuated and favored an early announcement by the Joint Committee that the evacuation had been concluded. (690B.9321/6–154)