330.13/6–252: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the United States Mission at the United Nations1
465. Re Disarmament. In answering Soviet questions concerning reference to China in numerical limitation proposals and any further questions directed to same subject Dept suggests following [Page 958] general principles. (1) Preferable to confine answers to specific questions and not anticipate issues which may be raised in further questions. (2) General line on initial answer is that for purposes of these proposals China is geographic area and that accordingly proposals applicable to armed forces of China Mainland. (3) In referring to further procedural steps in securing disarmament, i.e., consultations among concerned states and world conference—important to avoid any implication that Commies will necessarily continue to be in control of China Mainland in future or that proposals portend any change in US policy of dealing with National Govt as Govt of China. If necessary to deal at all with future representation suggest use line that all authorities having substantial military power must be heard to bring them into effective system of disarmament. (4) FYI US position is that sovereignty over Formosa not yet finally determined therefore seek to avoid issue of whether Formosa part of China for purposes of determining numerical ceilings.
- Drafted by Bechhoefer; cleared by Perkins and Martin of CA, Bacon of FE, and Meeker of L/UNA; approved by Sanders of UNA.↩