procedure. The United States intends to follow that course, so far as
it is concerned, unless and until the Chinese Communists, by their
acts, leave us no choice but to react in defense of the principles to
which all peace-loving governments are dedicated.




2. White House Statement,

September 6, 1958


The President discussed the Taiwan Straits situation with the
Secretary of State, the Secretary of the Treasury, the Secretary of
Defense, and the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff--members of the
National Security Council. Also present were the Director of the
United States Information Agency, the Director of the Office of Civil
and Defense Mobilization, and the Acting Director of the Central
Intelligence Agency. The Vice President, because of a long-standing
out of town engagement, was unable to be present.

Consideration was given to measures which would conform to the policy
enunciated on September 4 by the Secretary of State on the authority
of the President. But particular note was taken of the reported radio
statement of Mr. Chou En-lai indicating that the Chinese Communists
were prepared to resume ambassadorial talks with the United States "in
order to contribute further to the safeguarding of peace." These
talks, which had been conducted in Europe for several years, were
recently interrupted by the Chinese Communists.