Author: Li Qingquan Source: "Diplomats Say Things"
About the Author
Li Qingquan (March 1919-January 25, 2014) was a native of Linchuan, Jiangxi; Member of the Communist Party of China, loyal communist fighter; He has served as Chief Political Counsellor of the People's Republic of China in the Czech Slovakia Republic, Ambassador of the People's Republic of China to Switzerland, former Vice Governor of the People's Government of Anhui Province, and former Vice Chairman of the CPPCC of Anhui Province.
1964 year
January 2
France representative Bomacher came to our embassy in the afternoon to continue the talks. Ambassador Li Qingquan said that he had received a notice from the mainland government about Faure's talks in Beijing and the contents of the three tacit understandings.
By adopting this method, the mainland shows that we have negotiated and established diplomatic relations on the basis of the principle of equality, and that the two sides have not mentioned any preconditions, but only on the basis of mutual understanding, and there is no difficulty in the wording of the note from the French side. Accordingly, Ambassador Li was instructed to propose the modalities for the exchange of notes agreed upon by Beijing.
Pomacher said that the form of the joint communiqué he proposed last time was also put forward in accordance with the spirit of the Beijing talks, and that the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and France is mainly a matter of procedure, and the simpler the better.
Ambassador Li agreed to the format of the joint communiqué, but the wording of the communiqué should state that "the Government of the People's Republic is the sole legitimate government representing the entire Chinese people".
Pomacher thought about this for a long time, and finally said that he personally thought that this sentence was very important, but it was inconvenient to include it in the communiqué, and the communiqué was as simple as possible. In view of the fact that the other side said that there were still difficulties, he repeatedly stressed that France's recognition of China means that it recognizes the People's Republic of China and will never engage in "two Chinas." It only asks for as simple a way as possible and hopes that the Chinese side will understand.
In view of the fact that there was no violation of the three tacit principles and that the other side had repeatedly stated that it would not support the pursuit of "two Chinas," in order to avoid extraneous complications and to reach an agreement as soon as possible, Ambassador Li, in accordance with the instructions of the premier, finally proposed that the other side could agree to the form and wording of the joint communique. However, we will issue a separate statement pointing out that the Government of the People's Republic of China negotiated the establishment of diplomatic relations with the Government of the French Republic on behalf of the sole legitimate Government of the entire Chinese people, and reaffirming that Taiwan is an inalienable part of the territory of the People's Republic of China.
Pomacher made it clear that he would report the situation to the Government of France before replying. He offered to hold the next meeting on 6 January 1964 (later changed to 9 January), explaining that if he could not come as scheduled, it would be because he had not been able to find the Foreign Minister of France, and for no other reason.
Based on the results of the talks, it is estimated that an agreement can be reached at the next talks. In order to avoid delays and strive for a success in the next meeting, Ambassador Li envisioned several possible scenarios and countermeasures for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs from the most thorough preparations. In accordance with Premier Zhou's instructions, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs sent instructions to the ambassador for the talks on the 9th.
January 9
Bomacher came to our embassy as scheduled to continue the talks. He first recounted the final proposal put forward by Ambassador Li Qingquan during the talks on January 2, and then said that the French side believed that China and France had reached an agreement on the content of the communiqué on the establishment of diplomatic relations, and proposed to issue a communiqué on the establishment of diplomatic relations in Beijing and Paris at 12 o'clock Paris time on January 27 or 28. Pomacher did not take a positive stance on the issue of a separate statement by the mainland, but confirmed it by repeating our proposal.
The ambassador reiterated that China will issue a separate statement. Regarding the timing of the communiqué, the ambassador proposed 1:30 a.m. or 2:30 p.m. Beijing time, i.e. 17:30 or 18:30 GMT. The French side explained that the French newspaper "Le Monde" was published at 3 p.m. every day, hoping to announce the news of the establishment of diplomatic relations in the newspaper in a timely manner, so it proposed to issue a joint communiqué at 12 o'clock Paris time. The Ambassador immediately agreed. At this point, the agreement on the establishment of diplomatic relations was officially reached.
In January 1964, when the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and France reached an agreement, Ambassador Li rested in the living room of the Chinese Embassy in Switzerland.
According to the advance instructions of the country, after the agreement is reached, there is no need to produce the minutes of the talks, and the representatives of the two sides can initialize the Chinese and French versions of the communiqué.
Pomacher insisted that it was not necessary, saying that he had been appointed by the France government and could fully assume responsibility. He also stressed that de Gaulle had instructed him to reach an agreement with us promptly, and that the relevant elements of today's agreement had been approved by de Gaulle, so he did not have to submit it to the Government for approval.
The Ambassador agreed not to initial, but stated that he would nevertheless submit the contents of the agreement to the Government for final approval.
Finally, Pomacher touched on two specific matters:
One
Before the issuance of the joint communiqué on January 27, France will secretly notify Britain, Germany, the United States, Japan and other countries of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and France.
Two
The France government plans to send five advance personnel to Beijing within three or four days after the announcement of the communiqué on the establishment of diplomatic relations.
In response to the former question, the ambassador said that this means that both governments can notify other governments of the agreement on the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and France that they deem necessary. The mainland government will take measures according to its own considerations.
On January 11, in accordance with the instructions of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the ambassador informed the French side that the mainland government had approved the joint communiqué on the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and France and welcomed the French side to send personnel to Beijing to prepare for the construction of the museum.
January 10
The France newspaper Le Figaro published an article answered questions from the newspaper's reporter the day before, on January 9, the same day that the mainland and France reached an agreement on the establishment of diplomatic relations in Switzerland. Faure's answer to reporters' questions on this day was not an accidental coincidence, but a prepared step by the French side. The purpose was to explain de Gaulle's China policy to the public at home and abroad, especially those who were opposed and skeptical about the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and France, and also to explain to the United States, and to pave the way for the official announcement of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and France and de Gaulle's upcoming press conference.
The focus of the conversation was to introduce the position and policy of the French side on the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and France. On the Taiwan issue, he stressed that France does not undertake the obligation to revoke its recognition of the Chiang Kai-shek clique, that the establishment of a consulate in Taiwan is purely a matter for the France Government, and that the question of Taiwan's ownership is not clearly stated.
These statements are different from those of Faure's past. This is to state the government's thoughts as a non-government official so that those who oppose the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and France can give an explanation. As far as China is concerned, he is not speaking on behalf of the government, and he does not violate the agreement that should be observed in the establishment of diplomatic relations with China.
January 23
De · Pomacher asked to meet Ambassador Li Qingquan again. He said that although he was authorized to assume the obligation to reach an agreement, he had reported to the France Government after the last meeting, and that the France Government had now informed the Chinese side of the official confirmation. Then he reiterated that the French side would send advance personnel to Beijing between February 20 and 25 to build the museum, and asked when we would send people to Paris.
Finally, de · Pomacher said that de Gaulle will say his views on the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and France at a press conference on January 31, and talk about his expectations for the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and France in terms of Sino-French relations and the significance of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and France.
January 27
The Sino-French Joint Communiqué on the establishment of diplomatic relations was released simultaneously in Beijing and Paris at 11 GMT on January 27.
On January 27, 1964, at 11 GMT, China's People's Daily and France's Le Monde simultaneously published the news of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and France on the front page.
The full text of the communiqué is as follows:
The Government of the People's Republic of China and the Government of the French Republic unanimously decided to establish diplomatic relations. To that end, the two Governments agreed to appoint an ambassador within three months.
As soon as the news came out, it shook the whole world, especially to the United States and the Chiang Kai-shek clique. The Western press called it a "diplomatic nuclear explosion".
January 28
In accordance with the established steps, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the mainland issued a statement, the full text of which is as follows:
The Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China has been instructed to issue the following statement on the establishment of diplomatic relations between the People's Republic of China and the French Republic:
The Government of the People's Republic of China, as the sole legitimate Government representing the entire Chinese people, negotiated and reached an agreement with the Government of the French Republic on the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries.
In accordance with international practice, the recognition of a new Government of a country implies the cessation of recognition of the old ruling circles that have been overthrown by the people of that country. Thus, the representatives of the old ruling circles of the country can no longer be seen as representatives of the country, and exist in the same country or in the same international organization as the representatives of the new Government of the country.
Based on this understanding, the Government of the People's Republic of China reached an agreement with the Government of the French Republic on the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and France and the exchange of ambassadors. The Chinese Government believes it is necessary to reiterate that Taiwan is China's territory, and any attempt to separate Taiwan from China's territory or to create "two Chinas" is absolutely incompatible with the Chinese Government and the Chinese people.
January 31
When de Gaulle talked about the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and France at a regular press conference, he avoided repeating what Faure said in response to a reporter's question on 9 January, and he focused on the positive explanation of France's consideration of recognizing China.
On January 31, 1964, de Gaulle officially announced his recognition of the People's Republic of China at a press conference.
De Gaulle confirmed Faure's talks in Beijing, saying that China had effectively exercised its sovereignty, "so France has intended in principle to establish normal relations with Beijing for several years" and that the establishment of diplomatic relations with China was a matter of fact and reason. China's strength, its value and its vast future have made the world more and more concerned and attention, so France should be able to hear China's voice directly, and at the same time let China hear France's voice.
He also expressed his hope for economic and cultural exchanges between the two countries after the establishment of diplomatic relations. Finally, he stressed: "Some governments that are still waiting will sooner or later feel that France should follow their example. In addition, he also said a few reassuring words to Chiang Kai-shek, who had to sever diplomatic relations with China when he established diplomatic relations with China.
Mid to late January
On January 17, France notified United States of its recognition of China, and on January 20, United States sent a note of protest to France. On 21 July, France replied to the photo, rejecting United States' opposition to France's recognition of China, and at the same time pointing out that France's initiative in Sino-French relations is to "do a great favor" to United States' policy and bring United States' Asia policy out of a "dead end."
United States newspapers said that United States was "very angry" and believed that the establishment of China and France over to the United States had brought "serious political problems" and that the United States' political strategy had been completely disrupted.
The West German newspaper said that United States wounds on the China issue always had to be torn during the election campaign, and de Gaulle unexpectedly chose to poke United States United States wound in the most embarrassing moment, and it was very deep.
France public opinion has even expressed strong dissatisfaction with United States' opposition to the establishment of diplomatic relations between France and China. Pro-Gaulle newspapers attacked United States as an act of extreme stupidity, that United States tried to treat France "like Louis XIV did to his courtiers," but now "there are no more courtiers" and that United States' Far East policy led to the defeat of the West. France's entry into Asia meant "stopping the ship of the free world from hitting the rocks."
February 3
Premier Zhou Enlai visited Somalia from February 1 to 4 during his visit to 14 countries. On February 3, in an interview with AFP correspondent Tesselan in Mogadishu, the capital of Somalia, he pointed out when talking about the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and France: "The France government under the leadership of General de Gaulle has adopted a different attitude from some Western countries and decided to establish diplomatic relations with China, which has set an example of courage to face reality and dare to be independent. ”
Then, the Prime Minister focused on the significance of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and France; China is willing to establish diplomatic relations with all countries on the basis of the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence. There is only one China in the world, and Taiwan is an inalienable part of China's territory; China's legal status in the United Nations; The United States' conspiracy to create "two Chinas" and its policy of hostility to China have been comprehensively and thoroughly expounded.
The premier's speech once again announced to the world China's foreign policy and resolutely opposed the solemn stand of creating "two Chinas" on the Taiwan issue.
Mid-January - early February
When the Chiang Kai-shek clique in Taiwan heard that France was about to recognize the People's Republic of China, they panicked and demanded that United States and other "friendly" countries exert influence on de Gaulle. Chiang Kai-shek also personally sent a letter to Charles de Gaulle on December 24, 1963, asking for clarification on whether France really wanted to establish diplomatic relations with China.
Chiang Kai-shek's letter to de Gaulle, in which he implored de Gaulle to postpone the establishment of diplomatic relations with Beijing.
De Gaulle assigned former France Ambassador to Chongqing Beh-Chi-go to Taipei on January 19, 1964, with a handwritten letter, to meet Chiang Kai-shek. De Gaulle's reply explicitly acknowledged that France would establish diplomatic relations with Beijing and said that his decision was deliberate and that it was urgent to take it. Although de Gaulle's letter was indispensable for some polite words of admiration for Chiang Kai-shek, it was actually for Chiang Kai-shek to face the reality and swallow the bitter fruit of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and France.
Although Chiang Kai-shek was very angry, he also knew that he could not change de Gaulle's determination, and finally had to ask de Gaulle to postpone the recognition of the "Chinese Communists". In the face of this grim situation, the Kuomintang held high-level party and government meetings for several days to painstakingly consider countermeasures.
On 22 January, the Standing Committee of the Central Committee of the Kuomintang held a meeting to study the issue of establishing diplomatic relations between China and France, and unanimously decided to reiterate Chiang's party's opposition to the "two Chinas" stance and not to change it under any circumstances.
At the news conference, the spokesman of the "Ministry of Foreign Affairs" of Chiang Bang also stressed that he would not change his stance against the "two Chinas" under any circumstances. At this time, it was already rumored that the United States pressured Chiang to accept the "two Chinas" and asked Chiang to sit still and not vacate his territory to the "Chinese Communists." A reporter asked about this, and the spokesman had to say "I don't know".
After the communiqué on the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and France was issued, the Taiwan authorities lodged a "protest" with the France government, but they did not move and did not immediately evacuate the so-called "embassy" in Paris.
Although de Gaulle was unwilling to take the initiative to sever diplomatic relations with Taiwan, he was also worried that Chiang Kai-shek would not take the initiative to sever diplomatic relations with France. If Chiang's "embassy" really stayed in Paris for a long time, it would cause China to be strongly dissatisfied, and even revoke the decision to exchange ambassadors, thus putting de Gaulle in a very embarrassing position. Therefore, the French side let out the air and threatened that if Taiwan does not announce the severance of diplomatic relations with France, France will also take the initiative to announce the severance of diplomatic relations with Taiwan after a period of time, in an attempt to force Taiwan to take steps to sever diplomatic relations at an early date.
Finally, on the instructions of de Gaulle, the France government officially informed Taiwan's "diplomatic representative" in Paris on February 10 that Taiwan's diplomatic mission would lose its raison d'être as soon as Beijing diplomats arrived in Paris.
Under these circumstances, the Taiwan authorities were forced to announce on the same day that they would sever "diplomatic relations" with France and withdraw their "embassy" in Paris, and the France Government accordingly withdrew its representative offices and personnel in Taiwan.
Premier Zhou concluded his trip to 14 countries and held a meeting of envoys in Chengdu, and when he learned that Chiang Kai-shek had severed "diplomatic relations" with France and withdrawn his representative office in Paris, he said with relief: "Chiang Kai-shek has made a cooperation." ”
The last practical issue of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and France has finally been resolved. Sino-French relations have begun to develop normally.
February 23
The chargé d'affaires of the Chinese and French embassies arrived in the capital of the host country at the same time.
On their way to their posts, Song Zhiguang, chargé d'affaires ad interim of the mainland embassy in France, and Zhang Xichang, second secretary of the mainland embassy, were on standby in Switzerland first. Ambassador Li had a cordial conversation with the Song Song Office on the situation in France.
Cai Fangbai, former Chinese ambassador to France
In accordance with the instructions of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Chinese Embassy in Switzerland has dispatched three people to work at the Embassy in France. They are: Mai Feng, director of the consular department and second secretary, Sun Huanzhang, a French translator and cadre of the research office, and Cai Fangbai, a recent graduate of the University of Geneva (who later served as the seventh ambassador to France).
Late February
Ambassador Li and his wife Sun Qi returned to Beijing for vacation, passing through Budapest to Moscow. Before leaving the embassy, the secretariat of the embassy wrote a written report to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs entitled "Some Experiences on the Negotiation of the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations between China and France".
[Source: Li Qingquan's family book "A Soldier's Footprints"
Author: Li Qingquan
Contributed by: Li Yilin (Li Qingquan's eldest son)
Editor: "Diplomats Say Things" Fengfeng]