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

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

Warsaw, November 6, 1959, 6 p.m.

796. New York for Lodge. Beam–Wang Talks. 93rd meeting two hours 45 minutes.¹

I sought opportunity to open but Wang said he had statement he wished make first. Since it was his turn I had no choice but to defer.

Wang led off with mention Eisenhower-Khrushchev communiqué and particularly quoted sentences stating that all outstanding international questions should be settled by peaceful means. He said his government was glad to note US President subscribed verbally to this principle but then proceeded to catalogue US actions which he charged violated the principle. He mentioned CENTO, Tibet, Laos, statements by prominent American officials, visits by US military to Far East and maneuvers there, et cetera. He also listed in detail 10 latest “serious warnings”. He then said that if US sincerely subscribed to principle of Eisenhower-Khrushchev communiqué it should so demonstrate by withdrawing its military forces from Taiwan area and Far East. Suggested beginning discussions on basis Chinese Communist draft agreed announcement September 22, 1958.²

I responded by pointing out not only US but USSR and Communist China engaged in strengthening their armed forces and commenting that he had failed to note that the US was engaged in serious negotiations with the USSR aiming at suspension of nuclear tests and general disarmament. I said that threat in Far East obviously arises from aggressive attitude his side not from US defensive activities in area. I then made statement based second paragraph Deptel 552³ and handed Wang text new draft agreed announcement.

After 25 minute recess for purpose studying new draft Wang declared it not different in substance from five previous drafts presented by US during past four years. He had rejected those and also rejected this new proposal.

I expressed hope that in view present international climate his government would not reject our proposal out of hand but give it serious consideration.

I then made statement on prisoners relating it to amnesty announcement.⁴ Wang’s reply avoided any reference to amnesty and simply repeated familiar line that treatment of criminals was their own business and “no foreign power” had right to intervene.

I made statement on parcels and letters based on reference telegram⁵ to which Wang replied that package arrangement entirely unilateral and based on humanitarian considerations. Said that regulations at first provided for two deliveries monthly five kilos each per prisoner, and from October 1958 one delivery per month not exceeding 10 kilos per prisoner. I said there seemed to be misunderstanding concerning weight and I hope to return to this subject next meeting.

I made statement on unaccounted-for servicemen and Wang as usual replied subject not appropriate for discussion here.

Next meeting Tuesday December 8, 2 p.m.

Beam

0. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 611.93/11–659. Confidential; Priority; Limit Distribution. Also sent to USUN and repeated to Taipei.
1. Beam sent his comments and recommendations in telegram 802 from Warsaw, November 7, and a transcript of the meeting in airgram G–89, undated but received on November 16. (Ibid., 611.93/11–759 and 611.93/11–1659; see Supplement)
2. See Document 119.
3. Telegram 552 to Warsaw, November 4, conveyed Beam’s instructions for the meeting. The second paragraph instructed him to call attention to the U.S.-Soviet communiqué of September 27, urge Wang’s side to join with the United States in adopting a meaningful declaration to end the continuing threat of war in the Taiwan Strait, and present the new draft Agreed Announcement. (Department of State, Central Files, 611.93/11–459; see Supplement)
4. Reference is to a Chinese announcement of September 17.
5. It instructed Beam to protest a recent reduction in the prisoners’ monthly package allowance and the fact that no letters had been received from Bishop Walsh.