12. Telegram From Ambassador U. Alexis Johnson to the Department of State1

347. Highlights fourth meeting lasting two hours twenty minutes.

Wang opened with long statement ChiCom grievances re students. Said up to now some students continue be prevented leave, citing in great detail case of Dr. Tsien, Cal Tech Rocket Expert. Claimed latter wrote Peiping authorities June 15, appealing assistance return China. Handed me list names 44 of 76 students given him last meeting who he said not yet returned China. Wang also made familiar allegations students afraid express desire return, being forced [Page 20] leave by unreasonable deadline or apply permanent residence, unable receive travel funds, et cetera.

I replied various points, stressing repeatedly restrictions on Chinese students, including Dr. Tsien, now rescinded and all without exception free depart if desire. As result my reiteration no restrictions against departure and contrasting with situation Americans in China Wang shifted emphasis to “practical” difficulties faced by students saying while these restrictions may have been lifted practical difficulties mounted to restraint on students. Way to solve these difficulties was to have third country look after affairs Chinese nationals in United States.

I then read prepared statement (a) turning down Wang’s first proposal August 2 re list all Chinese in US; (b) pointing out we had fully met second and third proposals; (c) outlining “arrangement being considered” re fourth proposal2 and (d) again contrasted situation Americans in China emphasizing US expected all US civilians be released promptly and whatever measures necessary bring this about should be taken by Chinese. Explicit information concerning measures being taken this regard “would facilitate and expedite discussions.”

Wang repeated his request for names all Chinese US and reserved right comment on our suggestions re his fourth proposal at next meeting.

I then handed Wang text proposed press announcement modified according Deptel 398.3 Wang agreed to release with last portion first sentence second paragraph reading as follows:

“The talks so far have been confined to the matter of return of civilians to their respective countries.” Since this wording conforms text of first agenda item I agreed to change.

[Page 21]

Next meeting 10 a.m., August 10 at Wang’s request.4

[Johnson]
  1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 611.93/8–855. Confidential; Priority.
  2. Johnson stated in telegram 354 from Geneva, August 8, which reported on the meeting in detail, that he told Wang his government was considering the following arrangement:

    “Indian Embassy Washington could receive requests from any Chinese civilian in US who felt he being prevented from leaving. Indian Emb could investigate case sending officer to interview person if it desired and if Embassy concluded complaint justified could report facts to Dept with request for whatever action Emb considered appropriate. Emb could also act as channel for transmission travel funds and otherwise extend to individuals appropriate assistance. Both my government and Indian Embassy would give full publicity. British Embassy in China would perform same services for American nationals there, Chinese Government agreeing to give and permit publicity in same manner as arranged in US.” (Ibid., 611.93/8–855)

  3. Telegram 398 to Geneva, August 6, authorized Johnson to seek Wang’s agreement to issue a public statement that the talks so far had been confined to the matter of repatriation of civilians who desired to return to their respective countries and that the two Ambassadors had agreed to refrain from making any public statements concerning the developments at the meetings except by mutual agreement or prior notification. Johnson had suggested such a statement and transmitted a proposed text in telegram 328 from Geneva, August 5. (Both ibid., 611.93/8–555)
  4. Johnson reported in telegram 361 from Geneva, August 9, that Wang had requested and he had agreed to postpone the next meeting until August 11 at 10 a.m. (Ibid., 611.93/8–955)