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

690B.9321/6–154: Telegram

No. 166
The Secretary of State to the Embassy in the Republic of China¹

secret
priority

Washington, June 2, 1954—6:34 p.m.

910. Concerned lest Chinese Government yield to pressures your 652² and attempt break off evacuation negotiations. Bangkok’s 2390 (Taipei 367)³ indicates Colonel I concurs Thai wish continue explore ways means evacuate remainder and agrees try contact guerrilla leaders. Recognizing large scale operation probably not feasible unless Chinese willing and able send representatives into Burma to canvass candidates, consider nevertheless present explorations should continue and those willing to leave should be evacuated. Facilities should be kept open reasonable period and Chinese should cooperate in orderly wind-up leaving all parties satisfied job done properly.

Discuss situation with Foreign Minister earliest opportunity seeking assurances Li Mi statement does not signify unwillingness Chinese Government itself continue cooperation in efforts pursuant UN resolution remove all forces possible from Burma. Believe especially important avert any ill considered action by MND which might preclude further Chinese cooperation. In support continuing efforts suggest following points in addition foregoing considerations:

1. There still appear be forces in border area wishing evacuate. We concur Thai view not leave anyone unfortunate victim circumstances (Bangkok’s 364 Taipei).⁴

2. If China takes unilateral decision terminate operation before other parties especially Burma consider job finished, China may find itself in poor light when matter comes before UN.

3. US now seeking financial means. Once decision made to go ahead operation would probably be on relatively limited scale but would include provision for resettlement Formosa.

4. Urge Chinese continue represented on Committee until all agreed evacuation possibilities exhausted.

5. US will endeavor make China position clear to GUB (penultimate sentence your 652).⁵

If subsequently appears China resolved press for formal termination urge this be withheld for time being and last call issued by Chinese Government, timed to coordinate with preparations Joint Committee which not yet complete. Emphasize desirability orderly termination and only after all loose ends gathered up.

Dulles

1. Repeated to Bangkok and Rangoon.
2. See footnote 2, supra.
3. Not printed.
4. Telegram 364, from Bangkok to Taipei, sent to the Department as 2308, May 20, is not printed.
5. The sentence under reference stated that the Chinese Government felt it had done everything possible to bring the evacuation to a successful conclusion and feared fruitless efforts to bring out more evacuees might lead to a revival of Burmese accusations.