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

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

Washington, July 30, 1958, 8:29 p.m.

97. Warsaw’s 130.¹

1. Department recognizes desirability Dexter accompanying you on first approach to Wang. Suggest you consult with Geneva with view arranging his travel in such way as minimize inconvenience to Consulate General. When date decided notify Department so travel orders can be issued (similar action required for each later trip by Clough and Dexter).

2. For policy reasons alternate use respective Embassies must be ruled out. In making decision transfer talks to Warsaw Department recognized and discounted probable inability maintaining security of talks. In view past Chinese Communist practice of publishing proceedings of meetings when suited their purpose this regarded as minor consideration. Request you investigate and submit your comments on following alternative possibilities for meeting places: a) Swiss (or possibly Swedish) Embassy; if in your opinion this feasible we would request cooperation Swiss (or Swedish) Government; b) suitable space at one of local hotels.²

Dulles

0. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 611.93/7–2858. Confidential. Drafted by Lutkins, cleared with EUR, and approved by Robertson. Repeated to Geneva and Bern.
1. Telegram 130 from Warsaw, July 28, responded to telegram 88 to Warsaw, July 26, which conveyed the Department’s instructions on administrative arrangements for the pending ambassadorial talks. The latter stated that, in view of the U.S. policy of non-recognition of the “Chinese Communist regime,” the Department opposed holding the meetings in the U.S. and Chinese Embassies. (Ibid., 611.93/7–1958; see Supplement) Telegram 130 from Warsaw stated that Beam was at a loss to suggest a meeting place other than the respective Embassies, commenting that both sides might have understandable reservations about the security of any accommodation offered by the Polish Goverment. (Department of State, Central Files, 611.93/7–2858)
2. In telegram 146 from Warsaw, July 31, Beam recommended waiting until after his first talk with Wang and then approaching the Swiss. He commented that use of a local hotel “would in effect probably make Poles silent partner to talks.” (Ibid., 611.93/7–3158)