87. Telegram From the Embassy in Poland to the Department of State0
397. At 9:45 a.m. this morning sent First Secretary Johnson to ChiCom Embassy1 who read following communication to Lai Ya-li who said will be member ChiCom delegation:
“United States representative proposes Ambassador Wang and himself hold preliminary meeting 11 o’clock Monday, September 15, at Swiss Embassy Warsaw. It is suggested both Ambassador Wang and United States representative immediately approach Swiss Embassy to ascertain whether this arrangement would be convenient.
It would be envisaged that first meeting on Monday would be brief and would deal only with procedural matters connected with resumption of discussions. Meeting on substantive matters could be arranged to take place very shortly thereafter.”
In reply ChiCom Embassy representative read message from Wang proposing resumption talks at “74th meeting” to be held Monday at 10 a.m. in ChiCom Embassy. Suggested principle of rotation with US Embassy for further meetings.
Johnson insisted on impossibility rotation between Embassies emphasizing Swiss Embassy most appropriate and convenient site. Claiming nothing improper in use respective Embassies ChiCom representative said Wang prepared to make alternative proposal both sides approach Polish Government re arrangements for location to be furnished by Poles.
After consulting with me Johnson read further following message:
“United States representative considers it appropriate that talks be held at Swiss Embassy in Warsaw. Swiss Embassy would furnish neutral, extra territorial site for discussions. United States representative hopes Ambassador Wang will be able to accept suggestion. As to possibility of using a building made available by Polish authorities, United States representative would have to receive instructions from his government.
If agreement can be expeditiously reached on location for the talks, United States representative is prepared to have a meeting to resume discussions on Monday September 15 at 3 o’clock.”
After again proposing respective Embassies ChiCom representative said Wang would not consider Swiss Embassy. He reverted however to previous proposal re approaching Polish Government for site. Did not object to Monday 3 p.m. meeting suggesting in that event “informal get-acquainted meeting desirable in morning.” In view local press interest (which admittedly considerable) Wang suggested issuance joint communiqué this afternoon at 4.
Johnson telephoned proposed press announcement unacceptable although we would be willing separately to inform press respective Embassies were in communication with each other with view to fixing early meeting resumption Ambassadorial talks.
ChiCom representative has just telephoned that Wang prefers defer press announcement until site and time fixed. We replied this satisfactory.
Swiss Embassy still definitely excluded arid believe Department should consider accepting separate approach to Poles for furnishing location provisionally in order to get talks started. With receipt Deptels 264 and 2652 and Clough’s and Dexter’s arrival over weekend believe we can prepare ourselves for Monday afternoon meeting including discussion substantive matters.
Earliest reply requested.3
- Source: Department of State, Central Files, 611.93/9–1358. Secret; Niact. Received at 11:18 a.m.↩
- Telegram 396 from Warsaw, September 12, reported that a Chinese Embassy staff member had telephoned Beam at his home to say that Wang would like to meet with him the next morning at the Chinese Embassy. Beam had replied that they would have to proceed in a different way and that he would send the Embassy a message in the morning. (Ibid., 611.93/9–1258)↩
- Telegrams 264 and 265 to Warsaw, both September 12, transmitted instructions for Beam’s first substantive meeting with Wang. (Ibid.; see Supplement) See also Document 88.↩
- Dulles and Robertson discussed Beam’s report in a telephone conversation at 12:40 p.m., September 13. According to notes of the conversation by Dulles’ personal secretary, Phyllis D. Bernau, Dulles said that he did not think the location of the meeting had much significance and “we would not get much support if the talks broke down because we would not rotate.” After further discussion, he said that “he did not see any particular objection to the Polish business. After all, we recognize the Poles.” He also expressed concern as to whether Beam had been sufficiently briefed and stated that “Beam should realize the urgency of the talks.” (Eisenhower Library, Dulles Papers, General Telephone Conversations; see Supplement) Telegram 271 to Warsaw, September 13, authorized an approach to the Polish Government. (Department of State, Central Files, 611.93/9–1358)↩