The highest official in the new American administration to come to this part of the world, Mr. Johnson completed his mission and went back to Washington with reassurances given and received. In talks with the press after the trip, Mr. Johnson said the United States should either defend Asia or feed it to Communists. And, he emphasized, the United States is going to help defend every inch of free Asiatic territory.
The whirlwind trip which took Vice President Johnson and Mrs. Johnson to many an Asian capital in two weeks proved to be a great success. Mr. Johnson told the American people that he was surprised to find that some of America's staunchest friends in Asia had some misgivings about American policy. They had been worried. By his visit, they have been reassured and again believe the United States can be depended upon.
In Saigon, Mr. Johnson had talks with President Ngo Dinh Diem. He told the Vietnamese chief of state that more American assistance was coming into Indochina, and also gently suggested that some reforms be instituted.
In Manila, the worried Filipino people were heartened by the clearcut answers Mr. Johnson gave to searching questions. He said the United States will proceed "either alone or with our free world friends to preserve our position in Asia." He emphasized that the Kennedy administration is "fully aware of the dangers that confront the Philippines and her neighbors." This left President Carlos P. Garcia a happier man.
Vice President Johnson is almost mobbed when he steps down to shake hands with some of the 200,000 wellwishers in Taipei who turn out to greet him. (File photo)
In Taipei, the government and people of free China extended the red carpet in welcoming the US vice president and sending him off. President Chiang Kai-shek received reassurances of continued American support from the distinguished American visitor. A joint communiqué pledged furtherance of Sino-American cooperation and alliance.
In Hongkong, Vice President Johnson forgot politics and world problems for a day. He purchased some tailor-made clothing and had a cordial exchange of views with Sir Eugene Black, the governor.
In Thailand, Mr. Johnson was given another one of the rousing welcomes he received elsewhere. Thai Premier General Sarit Thanarat was encouraged by Vice President Johnson's firm pledge that the United States stands by its SEATO allies, including Thailand.
Then the Vice President went to neutralist India and held a series of talks with Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru. The result was a joint communiqué promising a crusade against poverty, disease and ignorance which, the giant from Texas insisted, are the best allies of communism. The Taj Mahal of India impressed him but he equally impressed the Indians with his frank and earnest talks.
Therefore, when the Johnson party fin all y left for the United States, Asia knew where the United States stood and the United States knew where the Asians stood. Better understanding and better cooperation had come to pass.
With his arms stretching out in the form of "V", Vice President Johnson acknowledges the applauding crowds in downtown Taipei. (File photo)
Visit to Taipei
As indicated by his talks after the trip, the 24-hour stay in Taipei has etched fond memories on Mr. Johnson's mind. He said he was moved by the industry and progress of the Chinese people.
Free China, too, lived up to the occasion.
When the special jet passenger plane carrying the Johnsons, together with President Kennedy's sister and husband, the Stephen Smiths, State Department officials, aides and secretaries, and a press plane carrying some 40 newsmen touched at Taipei's Sungshan (Pine Hill) airfield May 14, a tremendous welcome was given the visitors.
Amid 21 salvoes, Vice President Chen Cheng of the Republic of China, Mr. Johnson's official host, told the tall Texan: "Your visit to the Republic of China is a significant event in the history of the relations between our two countries."
Mr. Chen continued, "At this moment when the entire Southeast Asia is faced with the grave menace of Communist aggression, your mission is of particular importance. It encourages the peoples of Southeast Asia in their struggle against aggression and will greatly contribute to the common task of ensuring peace and security in the area. "
From the airfield to the hotel, the boulevards were lined with 200,000 cheering free Chinese standing eight deep to catch a glimpse of America's Veep. Chinese troupes performed in the streets. Dancers and singers clad in ancient Chinese costumes vied with one another to entertain the visitor. Thunderous cheers went up wherever the open limousine stopped.
And it stopped ten times en route to his temporary abode at the Grand Hotel. Each time, the American vice president stepped down and shook hands with the Chinese hands proffered. This common touch won the hearts of the Chinese people who had built ornamental arches and hoisted Chinese and American flags to signal their welcome.
After a brief rest, Vice President Johnson in maroon shirt and brown slacks journeyed with his hosts to Taoyuan to see the results of free China's land reform. About 20,000 Taoyuan farmers and students cheered him heartily. He shook hands with old farmers and held a little child high above his head. A deafening applause greeted every friendly gesture of his.
Upon conclusion of the brief inspection, Mr. Johnson said it was an exciting adventure and he regretted the stay could not be longer.
At the same time, Mrs. Johnson visited the Chinese Women's Anti-Communist League in the company of Madame Chiang Kai-shek to see how the women in free China help in fighting communism and building a better tomorrow.
Then the big moment came when Vice President Johnson met President Chiang Kai-shek. Both statesmen appeared well-impressed.
Conferences were held both before and after a state dinner given by the Chinese First Couple. Talks were resumed the next morning.
Mrs. Johnson tries a sewing machine at a workshop of the Chinese Women's Anti-Communist League while Mrs. Chen Cheng, wife of the Chinese Vice President, is smilingly looking on. (File photo)
At the state dinner, President Chiang said, "The United States has given heart to the entire free world through its call to the New Frontier." Turning towards the guest of honor, the Generalissimo said, "Your visit to our country will also contribute to the creation and sustaining of a great stabilizing force in Asia."
In turn, Vice President Johnson declared, "America stands firmly with her Chinese allies and we shall continue to do so until freedom is secure. We feel that it is very important for the Republic of China to maintain its representation in the United Nations."
Mr. Johnson further said, "The Republic of China has made significant economic gains in recent years. We expect to continue to work closely with the government of the Republic of China in promoting the economic growth on Taiwan."
Then it became apparent that the United States would stand by its commitments to free China, would continue to oppose United Nations admission of the Chinese Communists, would not recognize the Communist regime on the mainland of China and would give more assistance to the free Chinese.
The third Chiang-Johnson talk made the American vice president late for a youth rally at Taipei's City Hall. But 2,000 Chinese youth waited for the message of the visitor. They were not disappointed.
Madame Chiang has a cordial talk with Mrs. Johnson (center) and Mrs. Jane Smith, sister of President Kennedy. (File photo)
Mr. Johnson told his life story, to show how a man can succeed through hard work in freedom. He told the applauding youth that Asia's future is in their hands and they must work hard through freedom to make Asia better and better.
He compared Taiwan with his native state of Texas. He said the present per capita income in Taiwan is roughly that of Texas of 20 years ago. Now the Texans have increased by ten times and he saw no reason why Taiwan youth cannot do the same.
The visiting vice president told the crowd: "America will stand by you, beside you and behind you!"
This done, Mr. Johnson again went through the maddening pace of handshaking on his way to the airfield. This time, he stopped the car thirteen times to clasp hands with well-wishing Chinese.
More Chinese turned out to send him off than to welcome him. Gongs and cymbals sounded nonstop and the students and plain citizens shouted themselves hoarse in wishing Mr. Johnson a good trip home
At the airport, the two vice presidents, American and Chinese, exchanged compliments. Mr. Chen said if Mr. Johnson had chosen to stay behind to run for the vice presidency in China, he could have won it hands down. Mr. Johnson remarked that he had no chance against a seasoned and beloved leader like Vice President Chen.
At a planeside press conference, Mr. Johnson said as representative of President Kennedy, he gladly reassured the Chinese that America will work with them, today, tomorrow and the many days to come. He praised the social and educational progresses made in Taiwan and said that free China should be justifiably proud of these achievements. President Kennedy is interested in Asia, Mr. Johnson said. Then he was air-borne for the next leg of his Asian swing.
Joint Communiqué
A joint communiqué issued in the afternoon May 15 proved once again Sino-American solidarity. President Chiang and Vice President Johnson agreed that all people who want to be free should be free and freedom should be extended.
They restated their determination to support all its allies in Asia in the following words:
"The President of the Republic of China and the Vice President of the United States of America met Sunday at the President's residence and held extended discussions regarding the threat of Communist aggression against the free nations of Asia.
"The discussions were held in an atmosphere of friendly accord. The President expressed his pleasure at the visit of the Vice President and the latter noted with deep gratitude the warmth of the welcome he received. The Vice President wished to note particularly the opportunity he was afforded to greet, meet, and shake hands in friendship with so many Chinese people on the streets of Taipei and Taoyuan.
"In the discussions, there was complete agreement on the common purpose of the Republic of China and the United States of America to maintain the integrity of Free Asia. There was candid exploration and consideration of the strategies required to assure effective action.
"Both the President and the Vice President affirmed, as a matter of principle, that all people who desire freedom and are working for freedom should have freedom. Freedom, they agreed, is not for ourselves alone but must be preserved and extended to all who desire it.
"The Vice President, on behalf of President Kennedy, assured President Chiang that: the United States means to stand with her allies in the Asian area; the United States has no intention of recognizing the Peiping regime; the United States opposes seating the Peiping regime at the United Nations and regards it as important that the position of the Republic of China in the United Nations should be maintained; the United States will continue to work with the Republic of China in support of its accelerated growth program.
"Discussions encompassed a far-ranging consideration of the international situation in Asia, with reference to the serious situation in southeast Asia and particularly with regard to the Vice President's visit to Vietnam. The joint communiqué issued at Saigon by President Ngo Dinh Diem and Vice President Johnson was noted with satisfaction. The President and Vice President agreed that new measures of cooperation among the free nations of Asia as well as with the United States and other countries are necessary and desirable.
"The President and the Vice President joined in expressing their common concern with the conditions of famine on the mainland of China and the mass suffering under Communist rule.
"In the course of discussions, the President and Vice President agreed that the political, social, agricultural and economic progress in Taiwan, which is the result of the combination of conditions of peace on the island, Chinese skills, and industry and American aid, is an achievement worthy of note throughout all Asia and the world.
"In conclusion, the President of the Republic of China and the Vice President of the United States expressed the high mutual regard and mutual respect in which the peoples of their two countries hold each other."
Worldwide Reaction
The only people who resented the American vice president's successful visit to free China were the Chinese Communists. Almost before the Johnson party left Chinese soil, the controlled press of Peiping started its barrage.
The Communist said Mr. Johnson was out in the Far East to further instigate hostile action against the Communists and decried his trip in strong words.
But the world at larger acted differently. All free Chinese and American newspapers praised the trip, although the New York Times put in a few sour words.
The Central Daily News of Taipei called the visit a "chin up success, which should contribute greatly toward the furtherance of Sino-American cooperation." The trip, it added, gave assurance that China and America will continue to work together to beat back the common Communist enemy and to work for the freedom and peace of Asia and the whole mankind.
Mr. Johnson delivered a "crippling blow to those who wanted to separate the United States and China," the editorial went on. The Johnson reassurances were gratifying, of the newspaper said.
This is the general tone of the Chinese press on the Johnson visit.
And this is the unanimous feeling of the people of free China at the conclusion of the short albeit important visit of the tall man from Texas.