The Communist Threat in the Taiwan Area | Page 2

Communist
regime will not again, as in the case of Korea, defy the basic principle
upon which world order depends, namely, that armed force should not
be used to achieve territorial ambitions. Any such naked use of force
would pose an issue far transcending the offshore islands and even the
security of Taiwan (Formosa). It would forecast a widespread use of
force in the Far East which would endanger vital free-world positions,
and the security of the United States. Acquiescence therein would
threaten peace everywhere. We believe that the civilized world
community will never condone overt military conquest as a legitimate
instrument of policy.
8. The United States has not, however, abandoned hope that Peiping
will stop short of defying the will of mankind for peace. This would not

require it to abandon its claims, however ill-founded we may deem
them to be. I recall that in the extended negotiations which the
representatives of the United States and Chinese Communist regime
conducted at Geneva between 1955 and 1958, a sustained effort was
made by the United States to secure, with particular reference to the
Taiwan area, a declaration of mutual and reciprocal renunciation of
force, except in self-defense, which, however, would be without
prejudice to the pursuit of policies by peaceful means. The Chinese
Communists rejected any such declaration. We believe, however, that
such a course of conduct constitutes the only civilized and acceptable
procedure. The United States intends to follow that course, so far as it
is concerned, unless and until the Chinese Communists, by their acts,
leave us no choice but to react in defense of the principles to which all
peace-loving governments are dedicated.

2. White House Statement,
September 6, 1958
The President discussed the Taiwan Straits situation with the Secretary
of State, the Secretary of the Treasury, the Secretary of Defense, and
the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff--members of the National
Security Council. Also present were the Director of the United States
Information Agency, the Director of the Office of Civil and Defense
Mobilization, and the Acting Director of the Central Intelligence
Agency. The Vice President, because of a long-standing out of town
engagement, was unable to be present.
Consideration was given to measures which would conform to the
policy enunciated on September 4 by the Secretary of State on the
authority of the President. But particular note was taken of the reported
radio statement of Mr. Chou En-lai indicating that the Chinese
Communists were prepared to resume ambassadorial talks with the
United States "in order to contribute further to the safeguarding of
peace." These talks, which had been conducted in Europe for several
years, were recently interrupted by the Chinese Communists.
So far the United States has not received any official word on this
subject. We hope, however, that the reported statement of Mr. Chou
En-lai is responsive to the urging, contained in our September 4 policy
statement, that "armed force should not be used to achieve territorial

ambitions," although such renunciation of force need not involve
renouncing claims or the pursuit of policies by peaceful means. This is
the course that the United States will resolutely pursue, in conforming
with our vital interests, our treaty obligations, and the principles on
which world order is based.
The United States has sought to implement that policy in its past talks
at the ambassadorial level with the Chinese Communists. On July 28,
1958, and subsequently, we have sought a resumption of these talks.
If the Chinese Communists are now prepared to respond, the United
States welcomes that decision. The United States Ambassador at
Warsaw stands ready promptly to meet with the Chinese Communist
Ambassador there, who has previously acted in this matter.
Naturally, in these resumed talks the United States will adhere to the
negotiating position which it originally took in 1955, namely, that we
will not in these talks be a party to any arrangement which would
prejudice the rights of our ally, the Republic of China.

3. President Eisenhower's Report to the American People,
September 11, 1958
MY FRIENDS: Tonight I want to talk to you about the situation,
dangerous to peace, which has developed in the Formosa Straits in the
Far East. My purpose is to give you its basic facts and then my
conclusions as to our Nation's proper course of action.
To begin, let us remember that traditionally this country and its
Government have always been passionately devoted to peace with
honor, as they are now. We shall never resort to force in settlement of
differences except when compelled to do so to defend against
aggression and to protect our vital interests.
This means that, in our view, negotiations and conciliation should
never be abandoned in favor of force and strife. While we shall never
timidly retreat before the threat