357. Editorial Note
At the 466th meeting of the National Security Council, November 7, 1960, Acting Director of Central Intelligence General Charles P. Cabell discussed Sino-Soviet relations during his briefing on significant world developments. The relevant portion of the memorandum of discussion by Robert H. Johnson, November 8, reads as follows:
“General Cabell began his briefing with a discussion of Sino-Soviet relations. He stated that we have evidence that meetings in October of top-ranking Soviet and Communist Chinese leaders had been a fiasco. They had ended with bitter accusations by both sides. The Chinese had entered these negotiations with a chip on their shoulders, having written a 160-page letter accusing Moscow of forgetting basic Communist dogma and attacking Khrushchev personally. Contrary to the impression left by some news reports, the article in the October 31 issue of the Chinese Communist publication, Red Flag, had reiterated a hard line and had argued that the present was unprecedentedly favorable for violent seizure of power. Khrushchev had made an equally tough speech and an article in the Soviet publication, Problems of Philosophy, indicated the possibility of economic isolation of Communist China from the rest of the Bloc. [2-1/2 lines of source text not declassified]
“The stage had now been set for the meeting of the Communist leaders in Moscow and another try for a settlement. This meeting was being held in connection with the anniversary of the Bolshevik Revolution. International Communist leaders have not usually attended these celebrations. The Peiping delegation was unusually strong including six Politburo members. The composition of the Chinese delegation suggests that the Chinese will strongly affirm and defend their position. The welcoming speeches at the Moscow airport indicated no retreat by either side. It was possible, however, that the communiqué issued at the end of these meetings would indicate superficial unity. General Cabell then summarized other evidence that the dispute continued, referring specifically to a speech by Kuzlov and a recent article by Madame Sun Yatsen.” (Eisenhower Library, Whitman File, NSC Records)