tember 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.

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,

September 11, 1958

MY FRIENDS: Tonight I want to talk to you about the
situation, dangerous to peace, which has developed in the Formosa
Straits in the Far East. My purpose is to give you its basic facts and
then my conclusions as to our Nation's proper course of action.

To begin, let us remember that traditionally this country and its
Government have always been passionately devoted to peace with honor,
as they are now. We shall never resort to force in settlement of
differences except when compelled to do so to defend against
aggression and to protect our vital interests.

This means that, in our view, negotiations an