Foreign Relations of the United States, 1958–1960, China, Volume XIX

123. Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in Poland⁰

Washington, September 23, 1958, 10:02 p.m.

329. Beam–Wang Talks. Following are instructions for line you should take at meeting with Wang 25th:

Begin by pointing out unacceptable nature of new Chinese Communist draft agreed announcement and proceed to rebut Wang’s charges. Statement in first paragraph Wang’s suggested draft announcement that Chinese Communists prepared to resolve present crisis in Taiwan area through peaceful negotiation without resort to force nullified by Communist use of force against Quemoy and moreover does not affect use of force against GRC and its territory which is crux of matter.

US rejects categorically implication in second paragraph of draft announcement that presence of its armed forces in Taiwan area in present circumstances constitutes provocation against Communist China. Reiterate that their presence and operations in area defensive in nature, made necessary under terms of Mutual Defense Treaty with our ally Republic of China to counter unprovoked, unjustified, and wanton armed aggression against its territory and threats to its existence by Chinese Communists. Point out Wang’s regime itself has mutual security treaty with Soviet Union, and relied upon that treaty in its aggression in Korea and now relies upon it in its resort to force in Taiwan Straits. Wang’s charge that US attempting to invade and occupy offshores as stepping stone to invasion of mainland is patently absurd, belied by well-known US defensive posture throughout world and by defensive character of military measures and preparations taken by it in Taiwan area. Statements by US leaders cited by Wang have all made clear that our aims are defensive, in marked contrast to expressions of aggressive warlike intent which have proceeded from Peiping officials in recent weeks. Emphasize that US forces will remain disposed as necessary to fulfill its treaty obligations.

State that no amount of repetition by Wang to contrary can undo fact that Republic of China is sovereign government recognized by respectable part of world community. As such it has full right in protection its security and interests to conclude alliances and defense treaties with other countries including US. You should forcefully refute Wang’s argument that language of our draft agreed announcement demonstrated master-slave relationship. Emphasize that draft said US would seek that offshores not be used for attack against mainland. This demonstrates precisely opposite of what Wang arguing, namely that GRC is sovereign ally which US must and will at all times consult before making any commitment affecting its rights and interests.

Conversations in first three meetings have revealed basic differences between US and Chinese Communists as to cause of present hostilities in Taiwan Straits and means of resolving crisis. Prolonged reiteration of established positions on these basic points can only result in sterile discussion and disappoint ardent world hope that hostilities in area be terminated and peaceful solution sought. This situation clearly demands immediate cessation of hostilities as prerequisite to further exploration of means to bridge gap between divergent positions. If Chinese Communists continue to reject call for ceasefire and expansion of conflict should occur, they will bear full responsibility in eyes of world. Accomplishment of ceasefire and elimination of provocative actions on other hand would create atmosphere in which phased reduction of forces and armament in coastal islands and adjacent areas could be discussed with some hope of reaching mutually acceptable arrangements.

FYI. Suggestion for revision our draft announcement contained urtel 458¹ being considered and expect have revised draft ready for presentation at meeting subsequent to next one. End FYI.²

Dulles

0. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 611.93/9–2358. Secret; Priority; Limit Distribution. Drafted by Lutkins and Martin, cleared in substance by Dulles and with OSD/ISA, and approved by Robertson. Repeated to USUN for Lodge and priority to Taipei.
1. Beam’s proposed draft was transmitted in telegram 458 from Warsaw, September 23. (Ibid.; see Supplement)
2. Telegram 333 to Warsaw, September 24, authorized Beam to inform Wang that revisions to the U.S. draft announcement were under consideration and he expected to present them at the next meeting. (Department of State, Central Files, 611.93/9–1458)