AIR THREAT TO FORMOSA

Press, Volume XCI, Issue 27637, 19 April 1955, Page 13

AIR THREAT TO FORMOSA

U.S. Statement On Implications

AUGUSTA (Georgia), April 16. President Eisenhower and the United States Secretary of State (Mr Dulles) today reported an extensive build-up of Chinese Communist air power opposite Formosa.

Mr Dulles called the build-up “more intensive and more broad than anything that has been known” until recently.

He gave reporters word of the buildup in a formal statement which was approved by Mr Eisenlrower after they had conf*'--'''’ for two hours. The stater- aid: “In relat s > China, we discussed ihe grave implications of an extensive build-up, now in progress, by the Chinese Communists of offensive air power on the China mainland opposite Formosa.”

At a press conference Mr Dulles was asked by a reporter whether the * extensive build-up” was something new or of some intensification beyond what had been talked of before. “It is a considerable intensification. It is considerably broader in scope than anything that was known until recently,” replied Mr Dulles. Saying then that perhaps his statement was not too accurate Mr Dulles went on to put it this way: “It (the build-up) is more intensive and more broad in its scope than anything that has recently been known. In other words, our knowledge developed only curing the last few days, due partly to the fact that we are now getting more effective and prompter reports from that arpa as to what goes on.” “Imminence of Hostilities”

Mr Dulles was asked whether, in his opinion, hostilities in the Formosa area were more imminent than he would have thought. sav, two weeks ago. He replied: “Well. I have always made a distinction between er nubilities and intentions. This indi- a higher deeree of capability ( the part of the Communists to -k) than we expected a few weeks ago.” In reply to another question. Mr Dulles said it would involve security matters for him to give any indication of the magnitude of the build-up. He firmly declined to do this. Mr Dulles also said that the new Soviet attitude concerning Austria might improve prospects for a Big Four meeting. The situation in Vietnam was difficult, as the central Government grappled with the problem of bringing about national unity, but he saw’ no reason for discouragement about the possibility of an eventual solution.