OFFSHORE ISLAND SITUATION

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP91T01172R000300240015-8
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: T
• Document Page Count: 3
• Document Creation Date: December 21, 2016
• Document Release Date: March 17, 2009
• Sequence Number: 15
• Publication Date: February 11, 1955
• Content Type: MF

Approved For Release 2009/03/17: CIA-RDP91T01172R000300240015-8
copy NO.
CENTRAL INTELLIGENCE AGENCY
OFFICE OF CURRENT INTELLIGENCE
11 February 1955
MEMORANDUM FOR: Deputy Director (Intelligence)
SUBJECT: Offshore Island Situation
Tachen
A Chinese Nationalist Defense Ministry spokesman announced
on 11 Februa?,-y that Taipei plans to defend Nanchishan, 85 miles
southwest of the Tachens. This island is vulnerable to a
Chinese Communist attack.
The Tachen evacuation is expected to be completed Saturday
or Sunday despite high winds and rough seas which have slowed
down operations. Bad weather is expected for the next 24 hours,
but winds will decrease in the Tachen area on Saturday.
Matsus
omb the concentration, which they
The Nationalist Defense Ministry reported that 22 Communist
patrol craft and 600 junks had been spotted along the China
coast opposite the Matsus on 11 February. The Nationalists
requested permission to b
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Approved For Release 2009/03/17: CIA-RDP91T01172R000300240015-8
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Approved For Release 2009/03/17: CIA-RDP91T01172R000300240015-8
 Approved For Release 2009/03/17: CIA-RDP91T01172R000300240015-8
thought might have been assembled for a Matsu invasion.
Permission was withheld, pending detailed air reconnaissance
of the Communist vessels. The number of ships reported are
the numbers usually found in this area.
The Matsu commander has since reported "no enemy activity,"
although his air reconnaissance has been hampered by poor
weather. Two Nationalist destroyers and three destroyer
escorts have been alerted to speed to the Matsus if so ordered.
Quemoy
MAAG at Taipei expects that the Chinese Communists will
attempt next to take Quemoy, after occupying the Tachens. MAAG
bases its belief on recently increased Communist preparations,
including heavy vehicular traffic and an increase in artillery
positions.
This activity does not necessarily imply that the Commu-
nists.will make an early attempt to invade the Quemoys..
Probing action, aimed at testing for US reactions, will
probably be undertaken first.
HUNTINGTON D. SHELDON
Assistant Director,
Current Intelligence
Approved For Release 2009/03/17: CIA-RDP91T01172R000300240015-8