I do not believe that the United States can be either lured or
frightened into appeasement. I believe that, in taking the position of
opposing aggression by force, I am taking the only position which is
consistent with the vital interests of the United States and, indeed,
with the peace of the world.

Some misguided persons have said that Quemoy is nothing to become
excited about. They said the same about south Korea--about Viet-Nam,
about Lebanon.

Now I assure you that no American boy will be asked by me to fight
_just_ for Quemoy. But those who make up our Armed Forces--and, I
believe the American people as a whole--do stand ready to defend the
principle that armed force shall not be used for aggressive purposes.

Upon observance of that principle depends a lasting and just peace. It
is that same principle that protects the western Pacific free-world
positions as well as the security of our homeland. If we are not ready
to defend this principle, then indeed tragedy after tragedy would
befall us.

But there is a far better way than resort to force to settle these
differences, and there is some hope that such a better way may be
followed.

That is the way of negotiation.

That way is open and prepared because in 1955 arrangements were made
between the United States and the Chinese Communists that an
Ambassador on each side would be authorized to discuss at Geneva