248. Telegram From the Chargé in the United Kingdom (Butterworth) to the Department of State1
London, May 11,
1955—4 p.m.
4975. Dept will have seen press accounts Trevelyan’s call on Chou En-lai in order request elaborating his offer negotiate relaxation Far East tensions and Chou’s promise of an answer “in due course”.2
Telegram from Brit Emb Peiping reports Chou said he would study Trevelyan’s request and would give an official reply later. Chou then reportedly made following general remarks:
- a.
- Chou had taken note of Secretary’s statement participation GRC rep not essential.
- b.
- He felt that no need elaborate on GRC announcement that it would under no circumstances be represented in any such discussions.3
- c.
- He noted US was ready to discuss cease-fire; this completely irrelevant, as what Chou said at Bandung was he prepared discuss relaxation of tensions.
- d.
- Chinese Communists do not want fight US and are not at war with US. Chou nevertheless willing discuss relaxation of tensions.
Trevelyan’s response was merely Chou’s Bandung statements had raised hopes for peace; he reiterated UK wish to be helpful.
Butterworth
- Source: Department of State, Central Files, 790.00/5–1155. Secret. Received at 4:23 p.m. Repeated for information to Taipei and Hong Kong.↩
- The Foreign Office announced on May 10 that Trevelyan had seen Premier Chou the previous day; see the New York Times, May 11, 1955.↩
- Foreign Minister Yeh had so stated in a press interview on April 25, reported in telegram 761 from Taipei, April 26. (Department of State, Central Files, 611.93/4–2655)↩