Peiping broadcast Taiwan (Formosa) and the offshore islands are linked
as the objective of what is called the "Chinese Peoples Liberation
Army."

5. Despite, however, what the Chinese Communists say, and so far have
done, it is not yet certain that their purpose is in fact to make an
allout effort to conquer by force Taiwan (Formosa) and the offshore
islands. Neither is it apparent that such efforts as are being made,
or may be made, cannot be contained by the courageous, and purely
defensive, efforts of the forces of the Republic of China, with such
substantial logistical support as the United States is providing.

6. The joint resolution of Congress, above referred to, includes a
finding to the effect that "the secure possession by friendly
governments of the western Pacific island chain, of which Formosa is a
part, is essential to the vital interests of the United States and all
friendly nations in and bordering upon the Pacific Ocean." It further
authorizes the President to employ the Armed Forces of the United
States for the protection not only of Formosa but for "the securing
and protection of such related positions and territories of that area
now in friendly hands and the taking of such other measures as he
judges to be required or appropriate in assuring the defense of
Formosa." In view of the situation outlined in the preceding
paragraph, the President has not yet made any finding under that
resolution that the employment of the Armed Forces of the United
States is required or appropriate in insuring the defense of Formosa.
The President would not, however, hesitate to make such a finding if
he judged that the circumstances made this necessary to accomplish the
purposes of the joint resolution. In this connection, we have
recognized that the securing and protecting of Quemoy and Matsu have