Word: formosae
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...Washington, the Administration made two historic year-end decisions. The first, by the military, was a complete about-face: the Joint Chiefs of Staff decided to help defend Formosa against the Chinese Communists...
Each had something to report. Johnson disclosed the decision of the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff on Formosa (see below). Acheson, who had once sharply disagreed with Johnson's stand for more decisive action in Asia, discussed his own attempts to piece together a plan of action for Communist China's anti-Communist neighbors. There was reason for speed. London reported that the British government would shortly leave the U.S. conspicuous in its indecision, would recognize Red Peking within the week, probably followed in quick order by India, Canada...
...along, among the nation's top military men, there had been two conflicting theories about the threatened island of Formosa, 100 miles off the Asiatic coast and the last defendable anti-Communist remnant of China. Douglas MacArthur and Louis Johnson wanted to go to Formosa's aid. The Joint Chiefs of Staff, who have consistently low-rated Asia, argued that the risks weren't worth the gain. Last week, in a day-long meeting at the Pentagon, the Joint Chiefs took second thought...
Waiting for Spring. Across the choppy Strait of Formosa, the armies of Communist China were waiting for spring to bring them calmer waters. Then, the Nationalists believe, they will try another invasion of Formosa...
...Nationalist military men on Formosa last week thought the island could resist the Reds indefinitely without outside help. The only possible source of such help was the U.S. which, if it wanted to, could deny Formosa to the Communists at little risk to itself. By helping the Nationalists hold Formosa, the U.S. could help thwart further Communist expansion in Asia, at the same time acquire an important base in its Pacific security system. But as of last week, the U.S. did not seem interested...