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

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

Warsaw, December 12, 1958, 6 p.m.

829. USUN for Lodge. Beam–Wang Talks. 85th meeting 2 hours 20 minutes.¹ Wang led off with sharp attack on US along usual lines charging US had committed aggression against China’s territory Taiwan and was proposing renunciation of force as means cloak its aggression and promote two Chinas plot. Said if US sincere we would discuss basic cause of tension in area, namely presence US forces. Urged mutual renunciation force between PRC and US which US would carry out by retiring forces from Taiwan area thus demonstrating sincerity.

I pointed out only offensive action in area was being carried out by ChiCom forces and that US forces present in Taiwan area by agreement with ally to assist in defense that ally against ChiCom attack. Then denied Wang’s allegations US plotting create two Chinas using material Deptel 669.² Wang responded in customary fashion.

I then justified discussion prisoner and missing military personnel issues as instructed reference telegram repeating demand for release remaining Americans. In subsequent give and take Wang accused US of introducing “side issues and nonexistent issues” for purpose procrastination. I insisted our right introduce such issues and Wang avoided expressly excluding their discussion. In fact he counter-attacked briefly re Chinese in US to which I responded. Wang also alleged agreed announcement applicable to “civilians” not “convicts”, which I refuted by pointing out it was American prisoners whose release sought by Ambassador Johnson and who were subject of discussions culminating in agreed announcement.

I then asked if Wang had information on Bishop Walsh. Wang replied Walsh had violated Chinese law and his case was under consideration by judicial authorities. Until investigation had been completed Wang could give me no further information regarding case. I asked that British be informed concerning whereabouts and health of Walsh.

I then mentioned disappearance two groups Americans Taiwan Strait³ and gave Wang written statement facts each incident. He merely said he had noted my statement. I concluded by requesting receipt packages by ChiCom Red Cross at December 19 meeting at Shumchun. Wang replied he thought such matters could be worked out between Red Cross societies.

I proposed holiday recess and next meeting, January 9, 2 p.m., to which Wang agreed.

Beam

0. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 611.93/12–1258. Secret; Priority; Limit Distribution. Received at 8:42 a.m. on December 13. Repeated to USUN and Taipei.
1. Beam sent a detailed report of the meeting in telegram 831 from Warsaw and his comments and recommendations in telegram 830, both December 12. (Ibid.; see Supplement)
2. Telegram 669 to Warsaw, December 10, transmitted Beam’s instructions for the 85th meeting. (Department of State, Central Files, 611.93/12–1058; see Supplement)
3. Telegram 669 to Warsaw instructed Beam to request any available information on possible survivors of the yacht Tora, which had disappeared in July en route from Taiwan to Hong Kong with four Americans aboard, and a Foshing Airlines plane lost on October 1 in flight between Matsu and Taiwan with five Chinese and four Americans on board.