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

405. Telegram 1271 from Geneva¹

Geneva, December 9, 1955, 1 p.m.

1271. From Johnson.

1. As substitute for para B amended renunciation force draft contained Deptel 1354 I submit following for consideration: “The PRC and USA are determined that they will settle disputes between them through peaceful negotiations, and that, without prejudice to the inherent right of individual and collective self-defense, they will not resort to the threat or use of force in the Taiwan area or elsewhere.”

2. In general this seems to me somewhat preferable to draft suggested in Deptel 1354 while still incorporating all its elements. I think that it also somewhat meets point made para 2 Mytel 1203 while still fully preserving our position.

3. It also incorporates translation point made in para 9 Mytel 1241 and eliminates what I felt was undesirable conditional relationship between two clauses by substituting “and” for “without”.

4. While it does not incorporate word “renounce” it is unconditional in stating force will not be used in Taiwan area or elsewhere. It seems to me it is therefore a full “renunciation” of force but by avoiding use of word “renounce” in statement in which we are joined avoids undesirable and incorrect implication that we are “renouncing” something we have heretofore used while in fact accomplishing this purpose with respect CHICOMS.

5. It seems to me this draft also avoiding somewhat confusing juxtaposition in Department’s draft of very similar phrases of “without resort to the threat or use of force” and “they renounce the use of force”.

6. While I have no reason believe Wang will accept foregoing draft I feel I can advocate and defend it in negotiations much more effectively than draft suggested Deptel 1354.

Gowen

1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 611.93/12–955. Confidential; Priority; Limited Distribution.