So far the United States has not received any official word on this
subject. We hope, however, that the reported statement of Mr. Chou
En-lai is responsive to the urging, contained in our September 4
policy statement, that "armed force should not be used to achieve
territorial ambitions," although such renunciation of force need not
involve renouncing claims or the pursuit of policies by peaceful
means. This is the course that the United States will resolutely
pursue, in conforming with our vital interests, our treaty
obligations, and the principles on which world order is based.

The United States has sought to implement that policy in its past
talks at the ambassadorial level with the Chinese Communists. On July
28, 1958, and subsequently, we have sought a resumption of these
talks.

If the Chinese Communists are now prepared to respond, the United
States welcomes that decision. The United States Ambassador at Warsaw
stands ready promptly to meet with the Chinese Communist Ambassador
there, who has previously acted in this matter.

Naturally, in these resumed talks the United States will adhere to the
negotiating position which it originally took in 1955, namely, that we
will not in these talks be a party to any arrangement which would
prejudice the rights of our ally, the Republic of China.




3. President Eisenhower's Report to the American People,