257. Telegram 819 to Geneva1
819. For Johnson.
OIR review Chicom propaganda:
Chicom propaganda on international subjects during week ending September 30 gave only slight attention Geneva talks in contrast to previous weeks. General tone comment on US appeared somewhat more hostile. US denounced for obstructing Chicom admission to UN, [Typeset Page 341] violating Geneva spirit, seeking intensify cold war and continuing rely on “policy of strength.”
Regarding Geneva talks NCNA September 23 gave brief account of meetings stating that delegations had “exchanged views” regarding item two of agenda. NCNA announced September 24 that PRC had “approved” US invitation to UK.
Taiwan issue given slight attention during past week. Ta Kung Pao, September 25, stated CPR willing to negotiate “international question” of Taiwan, but US “reluctant” to negotiate. NCNA September 25 reiterated familiar charge US policy re: Taiwan based on “aggressive principles” and represents interference Chinese internal affairs. Liberation of Taiwan stressed as task for Chinese youth at recent conference of Young Activists in Peiping.
Major attention past week focussed following topics:
- 1)
- UN membership. People’s Daily editorial September 24 accused US of “obstructing” admission Communist China to UN, in “open violation” of Geneva spirit and asserted admission PRC to UN essential for further easing [Facsimile Page 2] international tension and solution major international problems.
- 2)
- Dulles speech to UN (September 22). NCNA commentary September 25 interpreted speech as indicating continued US reliance on “policy of strength”; accused US of “departing from spirit of Geneva” and seeking intensify cold war. Secretary’s comments on Taiwan cited as evidence US policy still based on “principles of aggression.” Secretary’s account Geneva talks criticized as deliberate effort “distort significance” of Chinese action in releasing 11 Americans.
- 3)
- Japan-US relations. People’s Daily editorials September 23 and 28 on Shigemitsu visit to US revived familiar theme that US seeking to remilitarize Japan and use Japan as base for “aggression.” Shigemitsu policy seen based on “making China a hypothetical enemy of Japan,” and on complete subservience of Japan to US. NCNA saw possibility Japanese troops would be sent abroad, to Korea or Taiwan. Also noted possibility of Japanese alliance with Taiwan and ROK commenting such action would be evidence of “intended aggression” against PRC.
- 4)
- East-West trade. People’s Daily September 28 noted that easing of world tensions had created new prospects for promotion of East-West trade; saw good prospects for development of trade between China and the West. Expressed hope that forthcoming Ministers Conference would adopt specific measures for removal of “artificial barriers” to trade.
- Source: Department of State, Central Files, 611.93/10–155. Confidential. Drafted by Jacobson; cleared by McConaughy.↩