Wednesday, 8 February

Twenty-seventh day of the twelfth lunar month, Yiwei year

Alsop’s brother said that Eden had spoken to Eisenhower with regard to the matter of Jinmen and Matsu Islands. He said that Eisenhower should urge Chiang to abandon them. The US president replied that Chiang had already said he would never abandon the two islands, and America had no way to press him. As for the attitude of America, it should wait and see if the Chinese communists launch an attack before determining any course of action. Therefore, Eden did not mention the matter any further. They also said that after Admiral Arthur Radford’s visit to Taiwan, Chiang’s army was more active. The Chinese communists also speak of using force, but they still have not despatched their air force to the south. Therefore, one could not say that war is on the brink.