793.00/10–254: Telegram
No. 316
The Secretary of
State to the Department of
State
Dulte 23. Eyes only Acting Secretary from Secretary. Eden raised with me at luncheon October 2 question timing Security Council action on offshore islands. I said that activity had quieted down and that whereas we might not act for several weeks, I believed that we should have everything arranged to move on a few hours’ notice. Caccia said that New Zealanders were anxious to work out details and they had asked in particular if our purpose was to achieve complete cessation of hostilities between Mainland and Formosa. I said that initial purpose limited to call halt to attacks from Mainland to islands and attack against Mainland in defense of islands both from islands and Formosa. Eden said British were contemplating démarche in Peiping and Moscow few hours in advance introduction subject Security Council for purpose of warning Communists their view of seriousness of situation. I indicated no objection. Eden said they would inform us line they proposed take and were anxious to have our comments thereon. Caccia passed to Merchant draft outline instructions which Eden had not yet approved. I am bringing back with me text1 which seems helpful.
- Not found in Department of State files.↩