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

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

Washington, September 16, 1958, 9:07 p.m.

285. Beam–Wang Talks. Following are instructions re line you should take in meeting with Wang on 18th:

State that draft agreed announcement presented by Wang at previous meeting¹ unacceptable to US. Emphasize that US forces are in Taiwan, Penghu and Taiwan Straits for purely defensive purposes in fulfillment of treaty obligations to its ally Government of Republic of China. We cannot agree to their withdrawal at time when GRC territory under attack. You may imply, however, that if attack ceased and there were agreement to avoid use of force, we would be able greatly reduce size of our forces in area. Insist we likewise unable consider surrender of territory belonging to our ally which Communist draft proposes.

Repeat that urgent prerequisite of any peaceful resolution of present crisis is achievement of ceasefire without prejudice to claims and position of any party involved, and submit draft announcement sent Deptel 286.² In absence cessation hostilities each day increases danger of expansion of conflict through Chicoms relentless resort violence against Quemoy.

Argue that in maintaining issue not one of arranging cease-fire but of US ceasing provocative actions in area Communists have distorted realities of situation. Exploration of possible means easing tension in Straits impossible at time Communists continuing press attack on Quemoy. First step must be to arrange cessation hostilities in area; once this accomplished question of avoidance provocative actions by parties involved could be discussed with hope of success. If as anticipated Wang rejects our draft announcement, argue that important thing is achievement of cease-fire, not that it be formalized by public agreement. Informal de facto cessation hostilities would suffice for purpose creating atmosphere conducive to further progress toward easing tension in area. Re suggestion urtel 410 para 6,³ considered inadvisable you probe Wang on this point at this stage, since would tend undercut our insistence that effective cease-fire must precede substantive discussion if individual claims and grievances of parties concerned. You should continue press for immediate cessation hostilities. We feel you have done excellent job of handling first meeting and appreciate your thoughtful suggestions and comments.

For Taipei Ambassador Yeh is being given substance report of first meeting (which being cabled you separately) and of foregoing instructions, which are repeated Taipei for your information only.

Herter

0. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 611.93/9–1558. Secret; Priority; Limit Distribution. Drafted by Lutkins; cleared in draft by Robertson, Green, and Martin; and approved by Parsons. Repeated priority to USUN for Robertson and to Taipei.
1. See Document 91.
2. Document 97.
3. Document 93.