Foreign Relations of the United States, 1955–1957, Volume III, China, Microfiche Supplement

372. Telegram 1247 to Geneva¹

Washington, November 15, 1955, 8:09 p.m.

1247. For Johnson.

Guidance for November 17 meeting.

1. Renunciation of force. Concur your agreeing to consider ad referendum Department reasonable amendments to preamble our draft declaration, while maintaining completely firm position paragraphs 6 and 8, as proposed your 1140. Reject Wang’s continued accusations US “armed occupation” Taiwan and reiterate US position outlined Deptel 996. You should not hesitate to state our position as forcefully as Wang states his, but pointing out that clash of views need not become clash of arms if both sides accept principle that force will not be used resolve differences.

2. Implementation. Agree with your view that major emphasis should be kept upon PRC’s failure carry out express commitment to release Americans, with O’Neill’s difficulties secondary. Department will obtain from British latest developments Peiping and send guidance this aspect later.

3. Embargo. Concur your 1140.

4. Military personnel. Defense has requested UNCMAC to present lists again. Since reply not yet received from UNCMAC you should omit subject this meeting.

Pass to Secretary.

Hoover

1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 611.93/11–1155. Secret; Limit Distribution. Drafted by Clough; cleared by Sebald and McConaughy.