217. Telegram From the Embassy in Poland to the Department of State 0
645. USUN for Lodge. Beam–Wang Talks. 82nd meeting one hour 45 minutes.1
Invited Wang lead off but he declined and I read prepared statement based Deptel 5022 but reserving detailed factual statement on LSD action and legal arguments on territorial sea until later. Wang responded with rather brief statement reiterating familiar arguments that question of cease-fire was internal matter and did not arise between US and PRC; that US had engaged in escorting and committed additional intrusions in Chinese territorial waters and air; that Secretary’s visit to Taiwan and subsequent communiqué revealed US aggressive designs against Chinese people; and that if US really sincere we would begin discussion of withdrawal from Taiwan area on basis their September 22 proposal. I responded with factual statement on LSD action and legal argumentation, concluding with statement emphasizing peaceful purpose Secretary’s trip. In subsequent give and take Wang argued right each state set own territorial sea and reiterate usual line that only US intervention responsible for tension in area. I replied briefly, particularly pointing out damage to freedom of seas principle if Wang’s principle were generally accepted. Wang proposed next meeting Saturday, November 8. I suggested Saturday meetings placed some burden on Polish hosts and Wang then proposed Friday, November 7, 2 p.m. on which we agreed.
- Source: Department of State, Central Files, 611.93/10–2558. Secret; Priority; Limit Distribution. Repeated to USUN and priority to Taipei.↩
- Beam sent a detailed report of the meeting in telegram 649 from Warsaw, October 25, and his comments and recommendations in telegram 651 from Warsaw, October 26. (Ibid., 611.93/10–2558 and 611.93/10–2658, respectively; see Supplement)↩
- Document 205.↩