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

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

Warsaw, September 15, 1958, 8 p.m.

409. Department pass information niact USUN as two from Warsaw. USUN for Robertson. After preliminary exchange on procedures and precedence, during which Wang pointedly declined my suggestion he speak first, I opened session with prepared statement as follows: “You and I meeting today at critical moment in history. Three weeks ago your armed forces opened assault of unprecedented intensity against territories of GRC Government to which US bound by ties of friendship and solemn treaty commitments. At same time, your authorities declared it their intention seize, not only territories now under attack, but also islands of Taiwan and Penghu. [garble—This?] sitn constitutes serious threat to peace.

In agreeing arrangements continuing ambassadorial level talks which Ambassador Johnson began with you August 1,55 our two governments have demonstrated they prefer way of negotiation to military conflict.

The ambassadorial talks have been disappointing to us. Written pledge you gave three years ago to allow all Americans on China mainland expeditiously exercise right to return US has been neither promptly nor fully carried out. Release four remaining imprisoned Americans would be important step toward improving atmosphere for these talks and I strongly urge your authorities take measures promptly to this end.

In many previous meetings Ambassador Johnson emphasized vital importance of reciprocal renunciation force applicable Taiwan area, in order avoid development of situation such as has arisen today. He made it clear that it not necessary for either of us accept other’s position with respect Taiwan area in order agree on principle that force will not be used achieve objectives that area. It obvious our views as to situation differ widely and are not easy reconcile. However, for sake of peace of world, imposition of one’s own views by armed might can no longer be tolerated.

Your government must realize that Government of US cannot accept view that territorial changes can be effected through use military force. When such force is directed against government, such as GRC with which United States has mutual defense treaty, my government cannot stand idly by. To do so would undermine our vital interests and very principles upon which world order based.

World opinion demands immediate measures be taken prevent present crisis in Taiwan Straits from plunging Far East, if not world, into war and avert occurrence of future crisis. It is therefore imperative that first order of business in this 74th meeting of ambassadorial talks be cessation of hostilities in Taiwan Straits area. I should like discuss with you arrangement of immediate cease-fire. Such cease-fire can be carried out without any party being asked renounce its territorial ambitions.

United States, of course, has no such ambitions. Once cease-fire had been accomplished, we would turn to questions of terminating provocative activities and of easing tensions in Straits. There are undoubtedly number of specific measures which could be agreed upon in order establish atmosphere of security in immediate area where hostilities in progress. However, urgent prerequisite for consideration such measures is cessation of hostilities. I should like to know whether your government is prepared agree to immediate cease-fire in Taiwan Straits area.”

Wang replied. We regret results achieved past two years talks. World opinion concerned over outcome present talks. We must try to reach agreement on settlement dispute in Taiwan area of my country. Taiwan is Chinese territory and offshore islands are with [within] inland waters Chinese mainland. [People’s] Republic China has sacred duty liberate Quemoy, Matsu, and Taiwan by all suitable means. Punitive military operations against troops Chiang clique internal affair. Question of cease-fire between China and US does not exist.

Wang continued. He chronicled and protested alleged provocations US warship and air incursions September 7 and 14. Quemoy, Matsu and other islands of Chinese inland waters used by Chiang clique with support US as advance bases threatening mainland ports. To eliminate threat Government China resolved liberate Quemoy, Matsu and other islands within coastal water, if Kuomintang troops willing to withdraw from coastal islands on own initiative Government China will not pursue them. “I want make frank statement that since Chiang clique lives exclusively on US support why don’t you persuade them to withdraw from Quemoy, Matsu and all other coastal islands.”

I replied. Picture turned completely about. Government Republic China sovereign state and trusted ally. Claims being made against its territory are being pursued by military action and threat of force. US forces in area for purely defensive purposes in fulfillment treaty obligations. Recited forms ChiCom military aggression in Straits area and said if these cease tension which has been created will immediately abate. Our vessels only in areas permitted by Government Republic China. We do not accept from your or any other authority extension territorial waters to twelve miles. Your demands constitute one-sided insistence US take no action in compliance treaty obligations while you insist on full right take any action you please in area.

First step to end threat to peace is to stop military action. This is nature of our proposal for immediate cease-fire.

Wang replied. Republic of China is nothing more than phantom regime reared and supported by US and does not exist. Chinat reactionary regime repudiated and overthrown just as tyrants in other countries overthrown because they were against the will of their peoples. Chiang clique has no right conclude any treaty with any country. Such treaties unlawful, null and void.

Wang continued. Liberation Taiwan, Penghu Islands and Quemoy and Matsu by whatever means cannot be considered threat to peace and world order. Threat is none other than occupation Chinese territory of Taiwan by armed forces. To bring about relaxation in Taiwan area first step must be cessation of provocative actions on part US Armed Forces in area.

I replied. Provocative actions not from our side but from mainland which attacks sovereign Republic China with whom we have treaty obligations. Your statements serve only to illustrate basic differences between our points view regarding Taiwan area. Urgent need is not to debate these but to take urgent and immediate action to stop hostilities now in progress. As first step and I repeat as first step required that both sides agree that shooting shall stop.

Wang replied. Issue is not cease-fire between us but cessation of provocative action on part US in that area. As soon as provocations cease we believe prospects will be good for relaxation tension in Taiwan area. I agree we should seek specific solution. Request more specific exposé [exposition?] your proposal. As I read recent statements of Mr. Dulles and Mr. Eisenhower they also make references to measures or solutions relative to relaxation of tension in Taiwan area.

I replied. Best and only way to eliminate provocations of whatever kind is to have cease-fire, whether provocations are real as in case those from mainland or only alleged. We could assume cease-fire could also involve measures which could end alleged provocation against mainland as you see them. These would naturally have to be considered in consultation with our ally Republic of China. Cease-fire best way to end dangerous hostilities now without prejudice to claims parties involved.

“I would like to make solemn appeal that our proposal be conscientiously considered.”

At this point Wang insisted on ten minute recess as against our suggestion to work through to conclusion. Returned to read proposal reported Embtel 408.¹

I replied. Proposal clearly one-sided and involves surrender and actions prejudicial interests our ally. We cannot entertain solution which would mean surrender of territory belonging that ally. Proposal furthermore does not constitute confirmation of renunciation use force. I feel obligated of course to communicate contents proposal to my Government. We come back to basic differences as aggravated by use of force and threats of force against sovereign ally and its territory. Proposal with greatest prospect restore peace is proposal we made for stopping hostilities. This offers possibility further measures for pacification and relief of tension in area pending pursuit policy objectives by peaceful means. Disappointed you have not put forward practical proposals other than one demanding surrender. Had this been otherwise I am sure it would have been possible give them consideration. I am ready explore with you whatever feasible avenues there may be for necessary cessation present grave military danger in Taiwan area.

Wang replied. Situation now discussed not one in which Chinese forces occupying San Francisco or Honolulu. We reject US interpretation liberation our territory as threat. Earnestly hope US Government will carefully consider our proposal.

I replied. I asked Ambassador study our proposal, its background, principles involved and transmit to his Government as promptly as possible.

Wang reserved right make further comments at next meeting.

Beam

0. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 611.93/9–1558. Confidential; Niact; Limited Distribution. Transmitted in three sections. Received at 4:54 p.m. A notation on the source text reads: “Meeting No. 74.” The 73d meeting in the series of ambassadorial talks beginning on August 1, 1955, was held in Geneva on December 12, 1957.
1. Document 91.