To the Editor:
I was delighted with G. F. Hudson’s article “Why We Must Defend Formosa” (April 1955). It is very important that the political aspect of this question should be given more recognition, as most people seem to think only of Formosa’s strategic value.
There is just one point which Mr. Hudson did not mention. Outside of China, there are fifteen million Chinese living throughout the Far East. They constitute highly important groups, both economically and politically, from Singapore and Indonesia up to the Philippines. Many of them are fighting valiantly against Communism. They are more aware of its danger than the people among whom they live because of their direct experience of Communist conquest. For them it is most important that they should not lose such a center for political orientation and national allegiance as the Chinese government in Formosa continues to offer them. With Formosa lost, the great Chinese communities of southeast Asia would probably lose much of their political vigor, and with the rise of an unoriented younger generation . . . might . . . become . . . tools for Communism in its effort to conquer the rest of Asia.
Frederick M. Stern
New Rochelle, N. Y.
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To the Editor:
G. F. Hudson has written an admirable piece on why we must defend Formosa, though I disagree that we should ever formally agree to peace being made between the two Chinas.
Mr. Hudson’s views are pretty well accepted in this country. What a pity that he does not devote more time and energy to getting them accepted in Great Britain, where many people labor under a complete misapprehension as to the nature and intentions of Red China.
Edgar Ansel Mowrer
Washington, D. C.
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