Foreign Relations of the United States, 1961–1963, Volume XXII, Northeast Asia

51. Telegram From the Embassy in Poland to the Department of State ⁰

Warsaw, August 15, 1961, 5 p.m.

279. Beam-Wang Talks. 106th meeting; 52 minutes.¹

I opened with paragraphs 1, 2, 3 of Deptel 215.²

Wang replied there had been no settlement real issues during course these talks and US policy headed opposite direction. US Government trying worsen Sino-US relations with President’s invitation Chen Cheng’s visit. Noted communique reiterated US support GRC “usurpation” China’s UN seat. Only with US support was “Chiang Kai-shek clique” able be entrenched Taiwan and in UN seat. No indication change this policy. Noted US Senate resolution also pledged support Chiang-Kai-shek usurpation China’s UN seat. Stated since August 11 ChiCom spokesman had issued 158th through 165th series warnings indicating US trying to worsen relations through intrusion Chinese territory and territorial waters. Stated Berlin crisis used as pretext for increasing military expenditures and some US leaders state global action may be taken. Increasingly blatant hostility toward Chinese people one part of this. Above in contravention my opening statement. American suggestions for exchange newsmen were a mockery; such exchange could not be considered during the exchange of Vice Presidential visits between US and GRC. Cannot skip main issue: Seizure of Taiwan by US. This also applies newsmen question. Chinese have had sincere desire for success since inception these talks but no response from US. Rather US has had policy of hostility even more undisguised. Chance of success depends on change in US occupation of China’s territory Taiwan.

I replied I could not accept his unwarranted attack on meeting between President Kennedy and Vice President Chen Cheng. Stated Wang had once again attacked our ally of long standing. US bound to GRC by sympathy and common interest; only natural and reasonable two countries should survey international scene in spirit mutual understanding reflected by this communique. Communique presents assessment international situation which Wang leaders should consider carefully and thoughtfully if indeed they thought to contribute lessening tensions in Far East. Rejected Wang accusation US warships and planes intrude ChiCom waters stating we governed by international law not unilateral ChiCom determinations. Re newsmen regretted our proposal was rejected as designed decrease tensions.

Wang replied could not accept my explanation meeting between President and Chen Cheng. No real peace in Far East mainly because US occupying Chinese territory Taiwan which has upset peace. Reiterated US must change policy.

I replied that threat and use of force against GRC is real point at issue. US and GRC have treaty relations and defense alliance. US forces in Taiwan as result. Basically we have asked for renunciation of force which would bring peace to area. Unfortunately Wang side rejected this and tension continues. I then continued with substance paragraph 4 Department telegram 215.³

Wang replied Old China represented by Chiang Kai-shek regime ended when People’s Republic China inaugurated. Only US support enables Chiang Kai-shek eke out existence on Taiwan. Cannot be regarded as state for represents no people. Taiwan is only province of PRC. No right to conclude treaty with foreign power therefore treaties with US are null and void. In these talks ChiComs have earnestly sought ways and means settle issues. Basic position is to realize ChiCom territorial integrity. US occupation this part China territory stands in way final realization China territorial integrity. US Government has used force against China to obstruct reunification China. Therefore not China but US should initiate realistic, practical steps remove obstacles.

I replied GRC recognized as sovereign government by majority nations world. Many nations have interest in GRCs protection and integrity. Present situation in which threats proceed from Wang’s side are of great interest to world from standpoint maintenance peace in area. US trying to devise formula and means remove threat and regrets unsuccessful till now. Wang replied have told you many times Chiang Kai-shek regime would not last one day without US support. No rationalization by you can change fact US is occupying Chinese territory. It righteous enterprise on part Chinese people to work for unification of country. Chinese people not threatening anyone; rather US threatens Chinese people. Such abnormal situation cannot be allowed continue forever.

I replied I had nothing further and sought advance agreement press announcement next meeting. Wang appeared surprised at open-ended announcement and asked if agreeable to set date some time December subject to latter change if necessary. I agreed and we set date next meeting December 5, 2 p.m.

Beam

0. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 611.93/8-1561. Confidential; Niact; Limit Distribution. Repeated to Taipei, Hong Kong, and Moscow.
1. Beam sent a detailed, apparently verbatim report of the meeting in airgram A-116, August 18. (Ibid., 611.93/8-1861)
2. Telegram 215, August 11, provided guidance for the formal portion of the meeting. Paragraphs 1, 2, and 3 instructed Beam to tell Wang he had to return to Washington for temporary duty for about 3 months, to urge release of the four remaining imprisoned American civilians, and to urge Wang’s side to reexamine this and other U.S. proposals as ways of reaching agreement on practical questions. (Ibid., 611.93/8-1161) See the Supplement.
3. Paragraph 4 instructed Beam to make his presentations as brief as possible while keeping the record clear and, if appropriate, to point out that the two sides remained as far apart as ever on fundamental issues, reinforcing the U.S. view that the best approach to the talks was to try to reach agreement on practical concrete questions; the United States did not expect Wang’s side to give up their position on fundamental issues and did not believe they seriously expected the United States to do so.