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

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

Warsaw, November 28, 1961, 6 p.m.

924. Beam-Wang talks. 107 meeting.¹ 1 hour 50 minutes.

1. Nothing new emerged. Wang slightly less caustic. Opened saying since last meeting US had continued statements hostile to PRC and aggressive activities all round its periphery. Complained of US military exercises in collaboration with GRC and around Okinawa and of aggressive acts South Vietnam and Laos. Attacked US for preventing PRC from rightful representation UN, disrupting activities Geneva conference on Laos, alleged plans establish Northeast Asia alliance and US occupation Taiwan. Reasserted that sooner or later US must withdraw its forces from Taiwan and Straits. Quoted Montgomery there is only one China with seat in Peking. Repeatedly referred to President Kennedy’s statements on China as proof US has no intention abandoning hostile attitude towards CPR and Chinese people. Contrasted with Chen Yi’s offer raise talks to Foreign Minister level.² Said had been 15 serious violations Chinese territory since last meeting.

2. Above emerged during some half dozen exchanges in which I followed guidelines Deptels 774³ and 786.⁴ Near close I said both sides have certain interests viewed as vital which so far irreconcilable. This why we had considered it best concentrate on those areas where it seemed reasonable and just agreement might be possible. Wang ignored my statements re imprisoned Americans, missing servicemen and exchange of newsmen. Returned to picture of China as injured party with American occupation Taiwan and military activities on mainland periphery constituting aggression. When I observed world had become too small and its tools of destruction too absolute permit any but peaceful avenue, Wang responded 650 million Chinese people could not be frightened.

3. After some discussion during which Wang insisted on specific date, I agreed on February 6 for next meeting with clear understanding this may be altered either direction depending on arrival my successor.⁵ Wang’s goodbye to me was gracious.

Beam

0. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 611.93/11-2861. Confidential; Priority; Limit Distribution. Repeated to Taipei, Hong Kong, Geneva, and Moscow.
1. Beam commented on the meeting and sent recommendations for the next meeting in telegram 927 from Warsaw, November 29, and sent a detailed, apparently verbatim report of the meeting in airgram A-391, December 1. (Ibid., 611.93/11-2961 and 611.93/12-161, respectively)
2. Ch’en Yi’s suggestion was made in a press interview on October 11. President Kennedy responded at a press conference that day that the United States was in communication with the Chinese Communists at Geneva and at Warsaw. He continued, “But we have not seen any evidence as yet that the Chinese Communists wish to live in comity with us, and our desire is to live in friendship with all people. But we have not seen that attitude manifested.” (Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: John F. Kennedy, 1961, p. 658)
3. Telegram 774 to Warsaw, November 22, instructed Beam to review the current situation concerning the talks and to declare that while the U.S. side had proposed practical measures to reduce tension, Wang’s side had carried on a “campaign of obstruction” amounting to “negation of the essential concept of these talks.” It instructed Beam to tell Wang that Beam’s successor as Ambassador at Warsaw would also succeed him as U.S. representative in the ambassadorial talks and would get in touch with Wang after he arrived in Warsaw to arrange the next meeting. (Department of State, Central Files, 611.93/11-2261)
4. Telegram 786, November 24, provided guidance on Southeast Asia for use if necessary to rebut charges. (Ibid., 611.93/11-2461)
5. The meeting date was subsequently changed to March 1. Telegram 1012 to Warsaw, January 26, proposed a date of March 6, since Beam’s successor, John M. Cabot, would not arrive in Warsaw until near the end of February. Telegram 1178 from Warsaw, January 29, reported a Chinese counterproposal of March 1 because Wang had to return to China immediately thereafter to attend a meeting. (Ibid., 611.93/1-2662 and 611.93/1-2962)