The local papers welcomed with open arms the visit of the Cuban goodwill mission headed by Dr. Santiago Claret and expressed the view that the present visit would herald a new page in the history of the relations between the two countries, which have always been most friendly and cordial.
Conveying its enthusiastic welcome to the Cuban goodwill mission, the Central Daily News said editorially on March 5 that between China and Cuba "there are many things in common. Apart from their similarity in geographical environment, they are both predominantly agricultural and sugar-producing countries. Both are conspicuous among the free nations for their staunch anti-Communist stand." In the course of their sojourn on this island, continued the paper, "it is our hope that Dr. Santiago Claret and his colleagues will see for themselves the progress that has been made here in all fields of endeavor, particularly our unwavering will and determination to recover the Chinese mainland which, they will find, is not based on vain hopes but is supported both by spiritual and material conditions." As both countries are in the foremost front of the anti-Communist crusade of the free world, added the paper, "the present visit of the distinguished Cuban guests will go a long way in the furtherance of the relations of the two countries which have always been most cordial and friendly."
In extending its hearty welcome to the Cuban goodwill mission headed by Dr. Santiago Claret, the China Post stated editorially on March 4 that "it is no perfunctory welcome,…because of all the countries which are members of the United Nations, Cuba alone has been the most consistent champion of the cause of Chinese freedom and has valiantly supported the Government of the Republic of China in all the debates of the Security Council, the General Assembly, and the various specialized agencies ever since the foundation of the world organization. Though other friendly countries might also have supported the Chinese representative in United Nations debates and might have done much for Free China on critical occasions, none can show a more consistent record of sympathetic voting for the cause of Chinese freedom than the Cuban delegation to the United Nations." To Free China and the Chinese people, the paper went on to say, "Cuba is the very exemplar of the common adage, "A friend in need is a friend indeed." In the last eight years when the Chinese Government has been forced to carryon its fight against the menace of International Communism from this island bastion of Taiwan, we have had a chance to see for ourselves who are our friends and who are less dependable and even outright treacherous. Out of this test for China herself and her friends, Cuba has emerged the best and most consistent advocate of the cause for which the Chinese Government and people are fighting. We are especially glad to learn that one of the three distinguished members of the Cuban goodwill mission, Dr. Campos, is going to stay here to serve as his country's first Charge d'Affaires in China since World War II. In view of the close relations between the two republics, a permanent diplomatic representation in each other's capital is evidently called for. We are particularly delighted to know that Dr. Campos will be representing Cuba at Taipei from now on."
Rolling out a red carpet to the distinguished Cuban guests to Free China, the China News, in its editorial on the same day, expressed the hope that their visit may pave the way for a cultural pact as a prelude for even closer ties between the two great peoples. "We welcome our distant friends from the Caribbeans because the Cuban people have been friendly and have always supported the cause of Free China on the international level. Like the Chinese people, the Cuban people have achieved their present constitutional government through revolutions and sacrifices. Today the Cubans, like most of their neighbors in Latin America, are deadly opposed to Communism and tyranny just as the Chinese people are. The Republic of Cuba under the able leadership of President Fulgencio Batista has maintained through these years cordial relations with the Republic of China and the rest of the free world. Their peoples share many common features. They are both hospitable and abhorrent of Communism. They are both predominantly agricultural and big sugar exporters. The arrival of the Cuban goodwill mission tied in with the appointment of Dr. Miguel Angel Camposy Conde, secretary of the mission, as the new Charged' Affaires of the Cuban Legation in Taipei. The Chinese Government, at the same time, has also named Liu Yu-wan, former adviser to the Chinese delegation to the United Nations, to be the new Minister to Havana. The strengthening of diplomatic ties will turn over a page of even happier relations between the two countries."
Tribute to Magsaysay
All local vernaculars, while deeply mourning the tragic and untimely passing of Philippine President Ramon Magsaysay, paid high tribute to him for the outstanding services he had rendered both to his own country and the cause of freedom.
"Death claimed President Magsaysay on March 17, thus bringing to an end one of the most outstanding careers of recent history. Among many of his achievements, he will be long remembered for the heroic part he played in World War II and his efforts in crushing the rebellious Huks." Thus declared the Central Daily News editorially on March 19. Still in the prime of his life, the paper continued, "President Magsaysay could have had more to offer both to his own country and the world, particularly at the present moment when the free world's struggle against International Communism is at its height. In this sense, his untimely death is a great loss to the cause of freedom." In extending our deepest sympathy to the Philippine people in their bereavement, added the paper, "our only consolation is that in his successor, Vice-President Garcia, we find a man who, we believe, will carryon much of the work that has been left undone by the late Philippine leader."
The tragic and untimely passing of the Philippine President, Ramon Magsaysay, was deeply mourned by the Hsin Sheng Pao on the same day "because his death happens at a time when his service is much needed by the free world." A determined and indefatigable anti-Communist warrior, the paper went on to say, "the late Philippine leader was one of the few among the Asian leaders who had both the vision and courage to see that the struggle of the two world camps is one which leaves no room for reconciliation. Immediately before his death, he said in one of his speeches: 'We cannot for one moment afford to put in jeopardy the freedom of the Filipino way of life. Between it and Communism there can be no peace, no paralyzing co-existence, no grey neutralism. There can only be conflict—total and without reconciliation.'" The relations between China and the Philippines, added the paper, "have been always most cordial, all the more so because of their common staunch anti-Communist stand. In view of this fact, his passing saddens us all the more."
"The untimely death of the Philippine President has deprived the free world of one of the staunchest anti-Communist fighters and will be deeply mourned by all freedom loving peoples the world over," said the Chung Hua Jih Pao in its editorial on the same day. Largely because of his efforts, continued the paper, "the Republic of the Philip pines has not only become a strong bulwark of the free world in Asia but also maintained close and friendly relations with all other anti-Communist countries. While we wish to convey our deepest sympathy and condolences to the Philippine people at this hour of their loss and bereavement, we have every reason to believe that his successor, Vice-President Garcia, who has shown much of his political acumen and statesmanship in his concurrent capacity as Minister of Foreign Affairs, will certainly continue to carry out the policies of the late Philippine leader."
In the tragic death of Ramon Magsaysay, Philippine President, said the editorial of the Combined Daily News on the same day, "the Philippine people have lost a dynamic and respected leader and the free world has lost a most staunch anti-Communist fighter and a trusted friend." When he first assumed the post of Secretary of National Defense, recalled the paper, "his country was overrun by the Huks disturbing peace and order and terrorizing the countryside. For two and half years, he fought a relentless war against them and succeeded in bringing his country back to peace and prosperity. Largely due to his eminent service to his country he was elected by an overwhelming majority to be the president of the Philippines in 1953. During his tenure of office as president, his contribution to his country was no less great. He heightened the efficiency of the government administration, improved the living standard of the people and rooted out corruption and graft, all of which are well known." "While we mourn the death of this great leader of our neighboring country," continued the paper, "let us hope that his successor at the helm of the state will follow all the important policies he has laid down, particularly his firm anti-Communist policy."
Regarding the death of the Philippine President as an irreparable loss not only to his own people but also to the whole free world, the Kung Lun Pao editorially stated on the same day that "what has made him so much respected by his own people and foreign friends is not only his significant contributions to his own country but also his vision and statesmanship. While many an Asian leader has fallen victim to neutralism, he was conspicuous among them for his unwavering espousal of the cause' of freedom."
Extending its sincere condolences to the Philippine Government and people at this hour of their sorrow and bereavement, the China Post editorialized on the same day that "the late President Magsaysay's services to his country will be forever gratefully remembered by his compatriots. He it was who succeeded in ridding the Philippines of the internal Communist menace in the form of the Huks. The methods he used for this purpose are noteworthy. In his capacity as Secretary of National Defense in 1950-1953, he began first of all to reorganize the government troops. With this well-trained body of men he proceeded to grapple with the Huk insurgents. But he did not rely upon force alone. He offered those who wished to leave their Communist leaders a chance once more to become peaceful and useful citizens. In this way, he broke up the backbone of the Huk movement and peace and order were again restored to the Philippines. After Magsaysay became President of the Philippines; he introduced many urgently needed reforms. He cleaned the government of all corruption and inefficiency on which Communist propaganda had thrived. He initiated a land settlement program so that the natural resources of the country might be fully exploited and national productivity might be increased. Under his administration, the Philippines has enjoyed a period of peace and stability which is the envy of many other Asian countries." In foreign relations, the paper went on to say, "the late President Magsaysay worked in close cooperation with all anti-Communist countries to stem the tide of Communist expansion in this part of the world. He saw clearly the menace posed by the Chinese Communists and sympathized with the cause for which the Government of the Republic of China is fighting. Sino-Philippine relations have become closer than ever under President Magsaysay's administration in spite of the continued existence of certain ticklish problems that required wise handling."
"To Ramon Magsaysay himself," said the China News editorially on March 18, "death meant little. He was at the height of his career. The tragic explosion over Cebu skies obliterated one of the most prominent citizens of the world but it could never undo what he had done. He shall always occupy a glorious page in Philippine history." But to the Philippine nation, the paper continued, "his death is, to say the least, unfortunate. With a president in the prime of his life and with an election in November which he could win hands down, the islands again find, like it was in the days when President Manuel Roxas was assassinated, that the man at the helm is gone. Buffeted by the treacherous winds from .the Communist Chinese mainland, the Philippines will undergo some uneasy days before the impact wears itself off. The election may generate heat and animosity but we hope that the people of the friendly neighbor would unite in the name of Magsaysay and continue to stave off the Communist challenge. To the free world, it is now without a leader who championed SEATO, put teeth to collective security and stood as a bulwark in the Far East..... To Free China, his death is our own loss. It was during his rule that Sino-Philippine relations steadily improved. Many outstanding issues were smoothly settled. The Philippine legation here is now an embassy. The friendship could never be better." "Magsaysay is gone," added the paper, "it is a challenge to us" living to follow his lead and make the world a better one to live in, not only for the Philippines, for Free China but for the whole world as well."
Gromyko's New Appointment
The replacement of Dmitri Shepilov by Andrei A. Gromyko as Foreign Minister of the Soviet Government has given rise to a crop of speculations about Soviet intentions. Commenting on this topic, the local papers regarded it as of much political significance. However, they did not believe that there would be any marked change of the Soviet foreign policy.
"Switches at the head of the Foreign Ministry in Soviet Russia usually symbolize policy changes. The replacement of Shepilov by Gromyko would, therefore, form no exception," thus declared the Combined Daily News in its editorial on February 18. "It is too early to predict the direction of the change at the present moment" continued the paper. "However, one thing is certain. Gromyko is a dyed-in-the-wool Stalinist and a faithful follower of Vyshinsky and Molotov in the days of Stalin. What is no less important is the fact that Khrushchev recently has on more than one occasion praised the achievements of Stalin, giving an unmistakable impression that Molotov's promotion as minister of State Control and Gromyko's appointment to succeed. Shepilov are not without political significance. However, no marked change of Soviet foreign policy is expected. Neither is it likely that Russia will drop its "non-interference in Middle East" policy for countering the Eisenhower Doctrine. Chances are that the cold war between the East and West will be further intensified."
Commenting on the subject in its editorial on February 18, the China Post said that the replacement of Shepilov by Gromyko had given rise to much speculation. In some circles, it was dismissed as unimportant, while in others, it was thought to be an important policy shift on the part of the Kremlin. "In view of these and other contradictory comments on the appointment of Gromyko to take the place of Shepilov as Soviet Foreign Minister," the paper continued, "it might be well just to remember an old Chinese proverb that all crows are equally black. Whoever may be the Foreign Minister of the Soviet Government is immaterial, because everyone appointed to that office is necessarily a dyed in-the-wool Communist who aims at the conquest of the world just as all other Communists do."