Office of the Historian

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

Washington, October 14, 1958, 7:58 p.m.

451. Beam–Wang Talks. Following supplements Deptel 440.1 You should tell Wang that we note that the Chinese Communists claim that they are engaged in a civil war. In this connection they have a treaty of alliance with the Soviet Union and are receiving much military assistance from the Soviet Union. The other party to the alleged civil war, the Republic of China, has a treaty with the US and is receiving military assistance from the US. This treaty and its observance by the US is denounced [Page 406] by the Chinese Communists. Are they equally prepared to denounce their treaty with the Soviet Union? Obviously, if there is a civil war and if one side in the civil war can make a treaty of alliance, the other side can do the same. If both sides have such treaties then the situation ceases to be purely a civil war but has international implications. Why are not the Chinese Communists prepared to recognize this?

You may also inform Wang that in view current suspension hostilities one of major US naval vessels (carrier) is being withdrawn from Taiwan area.

Re Embtel 5832 do not desire go so far as state US will not reach agreement Chinese Communists without agreement GRC. Thus if Chinese Communists agree with us cease provocative activities in Quemoy– Matsu area “on a reciprocal basis” could have de facto truce such activities without express agreement GRC so long as GRC did not engage such activities. That was meaning last three sentences Deptel 440. Point out if Chinese Communists undertaking contingent on reciprocal action or non action in Quemoy and Matsu islands objective of lessening tensions will have been obtained as practical matter. If no reciprocity then no need Chinese Communists fulfill undertaking.

Dulles
  1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 611.93/10–1458. Secret; Niact; Limit Distribution. Drafted by Becker and Parsons; cleared in substance by Dulles, in draft by Robertson, and with S/S; paragraph 2 cleared in substance by General Twining; and approved by Martin. Repeated to USUN for Lodge and to Taipei.↩
  2. Document 184.↩
  3. Dated October 14. (Department of State, Central Files, 611.93/10–1458; see Supplement)↩