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

126. Telegram From the Embassy in Poland to the Department of State⁰

Warsaw, September 25, 1958, 7 p.m.

476. USUN for Lodge. Beam–Wang Talks. Comments today’s meeting:

1. Wang’s position continues hard and unyielding. He shows no disposition make concessions to US viewpoint which would be required if real negotiation to result.

2. Wang gave impression of man marking time. His presentation was a strong but routine recapitulation ChiCom position. Not only produced nothing new himself but made no effort probe US intentions. Neither did he accuse US of stalling or otherwise attempt pressure US to come up with new proposals. In response our expression preference for morning meeting time he preferred Tuesday to Monday.

3. Wang’s reference to US press not supporting government’s position may be significant. Although could be merely convenient debating point might also mean ChiCom’s are confident opposition to US military intervention both within US and among allies may effectively prevent such intervention.

Beam

0. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 611.93/9–2558. Secret; Niact; Limit Distribution. Received at 2:26 p.m. Repeated priority to USUN and niact to Taipei.