93. Telegram From the Embassy in the Republic of China to the Department of State1

2209. Subject: Démarche Concerning Nuclear Non-Proliferation Act of 1978. Ref: State 081713.2

1. On 11 April 1978, DCM called on Vice Foreign Minister Chien to convey reftel démarche concerning the U.S. Nuclear Non-Proliferation Act (NNPA) of 1978. The meeting was cordial. Chien was given a copy of the talking points, as well as copies of the complete text of the NNPA [Page 338] and of President Carter’s 10 March statement delivered when signing the act into law.3

2. After reading the démarche to Chien, DCM said that he had discussed the provisions of the NNPA with U.S. officials in Washington D.C. during his recent visit, all of whom confirmed his impression that the act would require the Executive branch to take action to suspend cooperation in the event of violations. He expressed the hope that Chien would convey the sense of this risk to all appropriate departments and agencies of the ROC Government (GROC). DCM added that it was particularly important that the scientists and other specialists involved be sensitized to the risks involved in any attempt to engage in prohibited activity in the belief that it would escape our notice.

3. Chien responded that the ROC had made clear its position on nuclear proliferation in previous public and private statements. This position was supported at the “highest levels” in the government, and the ROC would continue to abide by it. He assured the DCM that the text of the NNPA would be sent to “all appropriate agencies” with instruction that they “adhere strictly” to its provisions. Chien said categorically that there will be no intentional violations and that the GROC would study the NNPA carefully to ensure there would be no “unintentional” violations. Chien also said that he would study with particular care Section 307 of the act.

4. Comment: Believe démarche made the point. DCM intends to use a social occasion on 16 March to confirm with Chien that text of the NNPA and the terms of the démarche have been passed on to appropriate levels of the GROC.

Unger
  1. Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, D780155–0511. Secret; Priority; Exdis.
  2. Telegram 81713 to Taipei, March 30, instructed the Embassy use the occasion of the enactment of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Act of 1978 (P.L. 95–242) to make a démarche to the ROC Government stressing the President’s and Congress’s continuing interest in nuclear non-proliferation. (National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, D780139–0318) Telegram 60855 to all posts, March 9, contains a layman’s summary of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Act. (National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, D780106–0873)
  3. The talking points are in telegram 81713 to Taipei, March 30. Carter’s March 10 remarks and his statement on signing the act are in Public Papers: Carter, 1977, pp. 498–502.