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Rankin, Karl Lott 1898- 1991

Karl Lott Rankin was an American diplomat from Wisconsin.

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Popular Documents

March 4, 1952

Despatch No. 389 from American Embassy Taipei to the Department of State, 'Recent American Policy Toward Formosa'

This despatch summarizes US policy toward Formosa (Taiwan) as a response to the threat posed by Communist China. The document underscores the United States' commitment to neutralizing Formosa militarily to prevent Communist occupation, its provision of significant economic and military aid to strengthen Formosa's defenses, and its insistence that Formosa's future political status be determined through international consultation rather than unilateral force.

This document summary was generated by an artificial intelligence language model and was reviewed by a Wilson Center staff member.

December 13, 1950

Telegram No. 795 from Taipei to the Secretary of State

In this "eyes only" telegram for Dean Rusk, Rankin highlights concerns about the Chinese Communists' threat to Formosa (Taiwan) amid broader US and international efforts. 

This document summary was generated by an artificial intelligence language model and was reviewed by a Wilson Center staff member.

September 7, 1950

Telegram No. 352 from Taipei to the Secretary of State

The document discusses the Chinese Nationalist government's concerns regarding a potential United Nations investigation into allegations of US aggression in Formosa. Foreign Minister George Yeh emphasized the destabilizing impact such an investigation could have on public and military morale while proposing that the UN simultaneously investigate Chinese Nationalist accusations of Soviet aggression against China​

This document summary was generated by an artificial intelligence language model and was reviewed by a Wilson Center staff member.

August 26, 1950

Telegram No. 305 from Taipei to the Secretary of State

This document reports that Taiwan’s Foreign Minister Yeh planned to issue a statement rejecting Zhou Enlai's claims of US "aggression" in Taiwan. Yeh’s statement would emphasize Communist aggression as the real issue and deny Zhou's legitimacy to represent China at the United Nations.

This document summary was generated by an artificial intelligence language model and was reviewed by a Wilson Center staff member.

November 13, 1952

Despatch No. 234 from American Embassy Taipei to the Department of State, 'Report on Foreign Relations at the Seventh National Congress of the Kuomintang'

The document  provides a comprehensive overview of the Chinese Nationalist Government's foreign policy, emphasizing its alignment with anti-communist efforts globally. It discusses Sino-American cooperation, including military and economic aid, the establishment of diplomatic ties in Southeast Asia, and the challenges of maintaining consular services in regions recognizing the Chinese Communist regime. The document underscores the importance of China's role in the United Nations and its relations with countries like Japan, aiming to strengthen global alliances against communism​.

This document summary was generated by an artificial intelligence language model and was reviewed by a Wilson Center staff member.