313. Telegram 996 to Geneva1
Washington, October 25,
1955
996. For Johnson.
Partial guidance for October 27 meeting:
- 1.
- On renunciation of force item, although it is undesirable for
you to engage in extensive debate with Wang in Defense US policy
regarding Taiwan, his accusation that US has occupied Taiwan by
force of arms cannot be permitted rest unchallenged. You should
briefly and factually state our position: that Taiwan is seat of
GRC which we recognize; that US has signed Mutual Defense Treaty
with GRC under which we assumed obligations to assist in defense
of Taiwan against outside attack; and that such units of US
armed forces as are stationed on Taiwan are there in accordance
with treaty provisions and with full consent of GRC. To describe
this situation as “US armed occupation of Taiwan” is distortion
of truth.
You should then reiterate, along lines followed last meeting, that in best interests both countries and world at large urgent requirement is not to sit in Geneva arguing whose position right and whose wrong, but for both parties renounce use of force to settle differences, with particular reference to Taiwan area. - 2.
- Your 957 approve your recommendation that statement on unaccounted-for military personnel be presented.
- 3.
- Awaiting reply from Secretary before sending additional instructions concerning manner of presentation item on release Americans.
Hoover
- Source: Department of State, Central Files, 611.93/10–2555. Secret; Priority; Limit Distribution. Repeated Priority to Paris as telegram Tedul 11. Drafted by Clough; cleared by Barnes and McConaughy and in draft by Sebald.↩