Foreign Relations of the United States, 1952–1954, China and Japan, Volume XIV, Part 1

493.009/11–954: Telegram

No. 389
The Secretary of State to the Embassy in the United Kingdom¹

secret
priority

Washington, November 9, 1954—8:16 p.m.

2598. Excon. Reference Deptel [London telegram] 2264, rptd Paris Topol 84.² Makins raised with Stassen again yesterday timing China trade policy talks. Stassen stated US would not be prepared hold discussion until after internal policy review concluded; gave no indication when this stage would be reached, but expressed hope for early conclusion.

Embassy checked later with MDAC and State for clarification. Was informed US Government currently reviewing at high level entire China picture. Trade policy obviously is affected by general posture US will take (or reaffirm) against Communist China. US is expediting policy review and will inform UK as soon as prepared for exploratory meeting. Stassen and Makins agreed French should probably be included at early stage of these discussions.

Embassy should present above views to FonOff order clarify situation soonest.

Dulles

1. Repeated to Paris for the Special Representative in Europe.
2. Telegram 2264 from London, Nov. 8, reported that the Foreign Office had inquired when the United States planned to begin discussions with the United Kingdom concerning multilateral trade restrictions against the People’s Republic of China. (460.509/11–854)