181. Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in France1
Washington, June 6, 1957—6:51
p.m.
2395. Excon. China Trade Controls.
Various PCs have expressed wish to know present US position in light UK decision on China trade controls and present status CHINCOM discussions. USDel should use following points as basis for US participation CHINCOM and for bilateral comment to PC dels, and addressee missions may draw on following at their discretion in responding to queries by other governments.
[Page 478]- A.
- US considers that in view inability CHINCOM reach agreement on continuation of a differential control towards Communist China each PC must determine for itself in light recent CHINCOM discussions whether or not to continue its differential controls towards Communist China. US plans to maintain its policy total embargo on trade with Communist China. COCOM/CHINCOM sets minimum control levels; each country free adopt for own purposes higher level controls.
- B.
- Since CHINCOM negotiations reflected considered government views which unlikely be significantly altered by further intergovernmental discussion, US not disposed to urge CG meeting for purpose dealing specifically with China trade controls. Recognize however that CG meetings are properly a normal part of CG/COCOM/CHINCOM operation and present juncture might be considered desirable time hold CG. US will follow PC consensus on desirability and timing possible CG.
- C.
- If queried regarding future activities CHINCOM reply might be made that US assumes continued operation for present.
Dulles
- Source: Department of State, Central Files, 493.009/6–657. Confidential. Drafted and approved by Wright; repeated to Ankara, Athens, Bonn, Brussels, Copenhagen, The Hague, Lisbon, London, Luxembourg, Oslo, Ottawa, Rome, and Tokyo.↩