President Chiang Kai-shek called President Eisenhower's visit "a powerful demonstration of the lasting friendship between the Republic of China and the United States of America," adding that the friendly cooperation between the two countries would be further strengthened as a result of his visit. President Eisenhower established several "firsts" by his visit. He was the first visiting chief of state to arrive by ship, the first to reach the capital by helicopter, and the first to ride in an open car to receive the ovation of the Chinese people. He was also the first American president to visit China while in office.
The USS St. Paul cast anchor at Tamsui shortly before 10:00 a.m. His helicopter touched down at the Sungshan airport minutes later.
Sun-burned by the Manila sun, but fully rested by his sea voyage, President Eisenhower stepped out of the helicopter to receive a 21-gun salute. He was followed by his son, Lieutenant Colonel John Eisenhower, and the latter's charming wife, Barbara. With a formation of 24 Sabrejets zooming overhead, President Eisenhower in dark suit and without hat reviewed the honor units from the armed forces in the company of President Chiang, who wore his military uniform with one decoration only, the Order of Blue Sky and White Sun.
Mrs. Barbara Eisenhower appears fascinated by an unfinished piece of embroidery. (File photo)
After an exchange of warm greetings on their third meeting—President Chiang welcomed his distinguished guest before a crowd that jammed the airport. President Eisenhower replied "Our friendship, tested in war as in peace, is a real source of strength in our development in free world security."
President Eisenhower's assurance was highly significant, for just out of hearing across the Taiwan Straits, the ruthless Communists had started a murderous assault. The Red artillery opposite free China's stronghold of Kinmen pounded that island with 85,965 rounds of high explosives in less than five hours to show their "scorn and contempt for America's President." The intensity of the artillery bombardment exceeded the peak of the battle of Kinmen in August, 1958. As one foreign correspondent cabled, "President Eisenhower became the only chief of state to receive an 85,000-gun salute."
From the airport, the two presidents rode in an open Mercury to the Grand Hotel escorted by 24 mounted police while cheering crowds estimated at 500,000 lined the avenues despite the hot sun, waving flags, raising banners and shouting their welcome. In and out of the crowd, opera singers in full makeup, folklore characters on stilts, tiny tots on trucks, and dragon and lion dances entertained the nation's guest. As the motorcade reached the Chungshan Bridge below the Grand Hotel, a chorus of 1,000 students greeted the president with a Chinese song: "I Like Ike."
After lunch President Eisenhower, accompanied by Dr. George Yeh, Chinese ambassador (in from Washington for the occasion) drove to the Martyrs' Shrine to lay a wreath. With the escort again, the motorcade sped the state guest down the main thoroughfare to the Presidential Office where he began his first discussion with President Chiang. The talk lasted for one hour and 40 minutes. James C. Hagerty, White House press secretary, said later in a press conference that the conversation touched on the entire world situation, particularly on Communist subversion and infiltration, and on the impact of Communist economic aggression.
Because of a threatening shower, the two presidents cut short this first weighty conversation to address an estimated 650,000 people packed into the Presidential Plaza to hear the American president. It had been raining heavily in Taipei in the days before Ike's arrival. Much of the preparatory work proceeded in rain. Newsmen had been betting on the weather, and officials had hoped for the best. An "inclement weather plan" had been readied in case of rain. However, the rain stopped the night of June 17. June 18 dawned bright and beautiful. Now dark clouds gathered over the greatest crowd of all, threatening a downpour on the half million people packed in the plaza for two blocks in all directions. Fortunately the rain held off for nearly two hours, until the great crowd had dispersed.
President Eisenhower told the massed audience that the United States would stand fast behind Free China in resisting Communist aggression. In unmistakable terms, the American President reaffirmed that the United States does not recognize the claim of the "warlike and tyrannical Communist regime" in Peiping to speak for all the Chinese people. In the United Nations, America will always support the Republic of China as the "only rightful representative of China in that international organization," he added. "The United States effort to seek peace," he continued, "does not reflect the slightest lessening of our determination to stand with you, and with all our free neighbors of the Pacific against aggression." The United States, however, is determined to continue searching for peaceful solutions to all outstanding international problems, the President declared. He said he would not spare his efforts to find an effective means to outlaw war and to promote the rule of law among nations.
Referring to the industrial and economical progress in Free China, President Eisenhower had the highest praise. "Near miracles," he called them and as James Shen interpreted, he was interrupted again and again with applause. Free China, he said, "provides a shining example to the new nations in Asia and Africa seeking a path to economic development."
Ticker tape welcome, Chinese style (File photo)
Before President Eisenhower spoke, President Chiang introduced him to the rally as "not only a great soldier, but also a great leader of the free world." "To the Republic of China," President Chiang added, "the American chief executive is a true friend through thick and thin." He described his guest as "the object of our profound admiration" and his visit to China as "a most memorable event in the history of Sino-American relations."
Long before the two presidents appeared on the rostrum, the spacious Presidential Plaza was jam-packed with a solid sea of humanity. People, who could not get into the square, climbed onto the roof tops of the nearby buildings and there were even people perched in the trees lining the square. All were eager to catch a glimpse of the great leader of the free world.
In the mass of humanity below the speaker's platform were people of all walks of life. Students, representatives of civic bodies and service clubs, soldiers from Kinmen and Matsu, groups of China's minority races (including Tibetan refugees) in their native costumes and overseas Chinese, were all there to hear the President. American residents in Taiwan turned out in numbers, all mingling together to welcome and hear the American President. Fireworks, and a shower of multi-colored balloons added to the festive mood of the occasion. Bright banners held over groups added color. Two Chinese WAC's were in a military unit from Kinmen, and caught the eye of foreign newsmen.
That evening, President and Madame Chiang Kai-shek received their distinguished guest and his party at a state dinner in the Presidential Building. At the dinner table, President Chiang recalled his meeting with General Eisenhower at the Cairo conference during World War II. They met again at Nanking in 1946 when Eisenhower was the United States army chief-of-staff and President Chiang was chairman of the Central Government. President Chiang said it made him happy to meet his old friend again after 14 years here in Free China's bastion of democracy.
President Chiang then reviewed relations between the two countries over the last 100 years, a long record of traditional understanding "and friendship. The Chinese knew the United States had no "territorial ambition" against China. Turning to the present world situation, President Chiang said it was all the more necessary for the two countries to stand together now to repel Communist aggression, both overt and subversive. He pointed out that Taiwan has become a strong-hold in the anti-Communist struggle, largely through American economic and military help, and also through moral support. He praised President Eisenhower for his bold imagination in plans to aid the threatened or underdeveloped nations.
President Eisenhower, in turn, predicted the Communists would eventually fall, if we would face their threat with courage and firmness. He said the two countries have been able to enjoy good relationships in the last century, because the two peoples understand each other's problems. He recalled the prediction of the late Secretary of State John Foster Dulles that the Communist Chinese rule on the mainland is only "a passing phase." He lauded President Chiang for his courage and tireless effort in leading the nation for the last 14 years in the struggle against inhuman tyranny. The distinguished guests then toasted peace and prosperity through freedom and justice.
Next morning, President and Madame Chiang accompanied President Eisenhower to the Shihlin Chapel for Sunday worship. After the service and a walk back to the residence through the gardens, the two allies sat down for another talk that lasted for nearly an hour. Present were top lieutenants of the Presidents, including Undersecretary of State J. Graham Parsons, Press Secretary James C. Hagerty, and Lieutenant Colonel John Eisenhower; on the Chinese side were Vice President-Premier Chen Cheng, Presidential Secretary-General Chang Chun. Foreign Minister Shen Chang-huan, Vice-Foreign. Minister S. K. Chow, Chinese Ambassador to Washington George Yeh, and James Shen. Madame Chiang was also present.
As a result of the talks, the two Presidents released a joint communique pledging that their Governments would continue to stand solidly behind the Sino-US Mutual Defense Treaty in meeting the challenge posed by the Chinese Communists in this area.
They deplored the outrageous and barbaric practice of the Chinese Communists in shelling and ruthlessly killing Chinese people on alternate days and noted that this practice emphasized the necessity for continued vigilance and firmness in the face of violence.
Even as President Eisenhower prepared to leave for Okinawa shortly thereafter, the Communist guns opposite Kinmen were shelling the offshore islands. The defenders tallied 88,789 rounds of high explosives, resulting in three deaths and 27 injuries among the Chinese armed forces; and three deaths and six injuries among the civilian population on the island. Sixty-seven civilian houses were destroyed. The hospital and school were shelled. Altogether a staggering total of 174,854 rounds blasted the island on the two days. The Chinese Ministry of National Defense announced that the defenders finally returned fire to silence the enemy guns.
The joint statement declared that discussions were also held on the importance of accelerating the economic expansion of the Republic of China in order to enhance the prosperity and well-being of its people. President Chiang expressed the appreciation of his government and people for the valuable assistance which the United States of America has rendered to the Republic of China.
The two Presidents concluded their communique with a pledge of common determination to uphold the principles of the United Nations, and their full devotion to the intensification of cooperation between the two countries.
Again the cheering crowds lined the five miles to the airport to send President Eisenhower off with their warm affection. He was given military honors again at the airport, and as he boarded the great Boeing 707 he turned at the top of the ramp and lifted his arms like a V for victory above his head. He was smiling, but visibly moved. The plane took off at 10:20 a.m., escorted by Sabrejets of the Chinese Air Force.
President Eisenhower's visit was well-covered by the press of the free world. A total of 479 news people, including reporters, columnists, radio broadcasters, photographers and sound cameramen were on the job. A special White House plane brought 65 from America; 103 (mostly American) came from their posts in Asia; and 310 local representatives of the fourth estate competed or cooperated with others.
A new record in telecommunication service in Taiwan was made. The Telecommunications Administration and the Chinese Government Radio Administration, reported a total of 189,380 words filed from 12:00 noon of June 18 to 12:00 noon next day. During this period overseas telephone calls totaled 400 minutes. 72 telephotos were sent, and 29 recorded programs were broadcast. For the convenience of the press, ten phone booths were set up at the airport with two lines direct to America. Five extra telephones were installed at the Grand Hotel, and others in the FOCC, where James Hagerty set up his temporary White House press room.
While Eisenhower's visit was the shortest of any chief of state who has come to the Republic of China on Taiwan, it was the most exciting of all.
In Japan, Communist-instigated rioting forced Prime Minister Nobusuke Kishi to cancel the Eisenhower visit. As though to make up for that to a degree at least, the people of this island gave the President an all-out welcome. Spontaneous gifts poured in, but that was a small part of it. The real meaning could be felt in the spontaneity of the popular welcome. When all was said and done, the people of free China had made it crystal clear that they "liked Ike."