690B.9321/7–353: Telegram
No. 84
The Chargé in Thailand (Brown) to the Department
of State1
priority
35. In informal conversation this morning with Li Tse-fen and associates I gave him message contained in part I, Deptel 6,2 covering all points firmly and unmistakably. In reply General Li requested transmission further appeals and requests for consideration to Secretary. I was finally able convince him such action absolutely out of question. While visibly disturbed he accepted answer as final. I then emphasized vital importance to his government that he carefully reflect on considerations which we had placed before him. In course these remarks he repeated that he and his associates here would themselves obey orders of Li Mi to go to Formosa. While he refused to estimate how many others would accept evacuation he did indicate that Chinese troops in Burma acknowledge authority of Li Mi.
Comment: While Li Tse-fen and others do not deny they are patriotic soldiers of China it is clear from both conversations that [Page 118] they regard themselves and their troops in some special status. They accepted in good part my suggestions that they deal directly with Colonel I and other representatives their government, but made no commitments. In spite somewhat emotional outbursts on their part during conversation, it closed on friendly note. I think instructions from Li Mi (Taipei telegram 2, repeated Department 6, Rangoon 2)3 and despatch General Li Wen-pin and party earliest will be most timely. Foreign Office today promised send authority immediately to Taipei for issuance visas.
- Repeated to Taipei and Rangoon.↩
- Supra.↩
- Dated July 3; it reported that Chiang instructed Li Mi to instruct Li Tse-fen to cooperate with Colonel I and that the Chinese Government was going to send Lt. Gen. Li Wen-pin with two other officers from Taipei to act as Li Mi’s personal representative in dealing with the Joint Committee. (690B.9321/7–353)↩