THE TACHENS

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP80R01443R000200290003-7
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: S
• Document Page Count: 3
• Document Creation Date: December 9, 2016
• Document Release Date: October 6, 1998
• Sequence Number: 3
• Publication Date: May 20, 1954
• Content Type: BRIEF

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NSC BRIEFING 20 May 1954
THE TACHENS
I. On 15 and 16 May, an estimated 3,000 Chinese Communist troops
were landed on three islands off the East China coast.
A. These forces occupied Kinmen, Toumenshan and Tienao,
all previously unoccupied and all within 50 miles
of the Nationalist-held Tachen Islands, northernmost
stronghold of the Nationalist island chain.
B. Similar troop landings on small coastal islands have
been made during spring and summer of years past,
but moves this year are accompanied by unparalleled
naval and air activity by both sides. In numerous
naval clashes, losses have been inflicted on both
sides (two Nationalist DE's have apparently been
severely damaged) and MIG-15's have shot down a
number of Nationalist conventional fighters.
C. Force which carried out recent landings included
20'ships -- frigates, gun boats and junks -- and
four MIG-15's giving air cover.
II. These moves may presage attack on Tachens, important Nationalist
listening post and defensive outpost for early warning of
Communist attacks.
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A. troop concentrations in coastal
towns of Chekiang Province, establishment of a
tactical army group headquarters and increased
naval strength in the area. There are said to be
a light cruiser, five destroyers (three of them
Russian) and hundreds of smaller craft in the
Tachen area.
B. Most of this information is as yet unconfirmed,
and consensus of US intelligence is that recent
moves are part of a continuing Communist war of
nerves on Nationalist forces in the area, and may
be aimed at testing Nationalist (as well as Ameri-
can reaction) to intensified campaigns on off-shore
islands. No imminent threat to the Tachens is
seen at this time.
C. Nationalist reaction to this is conflicting,
according to various press reports. Some officials
see no threat to the Tachens while Geneva conference
continues; others believe assault will come momen-
tarily. Latter view appears predominant.
III. Status of Nationalist defenses on Tachens
A. One of the best Nationalist divisions garrisons
the islands. Strength of forces there is 15,000,
including about 5,000 guerrillas.
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B. State of readiness of these troops is considered
excellent. However, they are believed vulnerable
to air assault and amphibious attacks by night.
C. Nationalist defense ministry is reportedly ordering
naval and ground force reinforcements sent to the
area.
B. Further Communist occupation of islands between
Formosa and the Tachens will make more difficult
the problem of supply and support of Nationalist
forces on the latter.
F. It would take a concerted attack by three Communist
divisions (30,000 troops) to take the Tachens,
according to current estimates by G-2.
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