2. Wang said no one doubts
American people want peace but world cannot believe US Government
following policy of peace. It did during Roosevelt era but not since. Said US had
organized military blocs taking China, Soviet Union and all socialist
countries as targets; had hundreds of military bases around world; sent
troops into Lebanon, Cuba, Laos and South Vietnam; and now, against
world opinion promises resume nuclear tests. I rebutted these points.
Wang further claimed Chinese
Communist policy not simply determined by theory and dogma, but
primarily on basis actual relations between countries and on facts.
Spoke with feeling of century of humiliation China had suffered and said
Chinese people capable of judging from history which nations treated
China equally and which otherwise. China will no longer be subjected to
insults from foreigners or intimidated by foreign power. No one would
prevent China from exercising its legitimate rights under name of
so-called defensive measures.
3. I said not only Roosevelt but succeeding Presidents had all been
freely elected by American people and all have striven to represent
peace-loving policies of American people. After World War II US largely
disarmed but unfortunately [garble] many others had not. Outlined
Communist hostility which forced us to join with other free nations in
defense. Spoke of our constant efforts in interest disarmament.
4. Wang returned again to
difference between desires American people and policy of government. I
said representatives of people in Congress had repeatedly and in
overwhelming majority showed intention of American people resist
aggression by Chinese Communists, stressed importance studying sequence
of events in Far East which show US defensive moves always in response
Communist provocation.
5. In speaking of seven serious warnings of sea and air intrusions since
last meeting, Wang complained
specifically of US ships in territorial waters Yung Hsing Island which
did not withdraw after warning flashed. I said I would be glad to
inquire as to the circumstances of this alleged invasion. Request
guidance in answering for next meeting.
1Cabot commented and sent
recommendations for the next meeting in telegram 1548, April 6,
and sent a detailed, apparently verbatim report of the meeting
in airgram A-563, April 7. (Ibid., 611.93/4-662 and
611.93/4-762, respectively)
2 Telegram 1314, April 3,
conveyed Cabot's
instructions for the meeting. (Ibid., 611.93/4-362)
3 Paragraph 2 declared that
Wang's side had labeled
the United States as an enemy because of dogma rather than facts.
Paragraph 3 declared that it would be in the interests of both sides
if they were to take an objective look at the situation.
4 Paragraph 4 urged fulfillment of the 1955 agreement
to release imprisoned U.S. civilians in the interest of reducing
international tensions.