March 24, 1950
Unnumbered Telegram from Taipei (Strong) to the Secretary of State
This document was made possible with support from Chun & Jane Chiu Family Foundation
[…]
FROM: Taipei
TO: Secretary of State
NO: Unnumbered, March 24, 6 p.m.
DEPT. PASS CSGID FROM ASTARMAT TRIPEX SIGNED BARRETT.
240230Z.
Cite OP 74:
For what my opinion may be worth believe the situation here definitely improved since my arrival 20 February. Reliable reports indicate Chen Cheng trying to avoid mistakes which wrecked him in NE. Recent cabinet appointments and removal of Ku Chu-tung giving definite impression Generalissimo trying replace rotten wood with good material. Report Sun Li-jen to become Commander-in-Chief Chinese Army may mean much or little, but initial effect good on civilian and military morale. Consensus informed opinion Communists cannot take Taiwan without extensive Soviet aid, particularly air, and good chance holding island even in face such aid. Shakiest area now appears to be Hainan. Seems to me greatest need of Chinese Government now is money.
STRONG
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Telegram discusses political instability and US concerns regarding governance in Taiwan amid growing tensions with the People's Republic of China. It highlights efforts to improve administrative efficiency and military preparedness under Chen Cheng and Sun Li-jen, as well as the strategic importance of Taiwan's defense.
This document summary was generated by an artificial intelligence language model and was reviewed by a Wilson Center staff member.
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