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

881. Two hour meeting this morning with no new developments. Wang opened with statement attacking “stepping up” of slanderous attacks and false charges by US spokesmen. Secretary’s Canberra statement2 was “particular evidence this campaign poison atmosphere and try slander China in order arrest improvement Sino-American relations”. This contrary attitude of even American people where even including “some occupying important positions were speaking out for change in US ostrich policy toward China”. USG [Page 496] “trying through renunciation force doctrine induce China recognize present status American control over Taiwan”. Military control over Taiwan being “incessantly intensified” extending military bases and planning install guided missiles. “Aggressive steps by US in Taiwan would only enable all Chinese patriots including those now on Taiwan recognize” US attempting enslave Chinese nation. Chinese people desire “be kindly terms” with American people. Referring to FMC, trade and cultural proposals “if there will and desire” by US improve relations should get down to serious discussions rather than entangling talks by introducing side issues.

I carried out theme paragraph 1 Deptel 8953 pointing out PRC had agreed civilians first matter and by refusing to solve was blocking progress. Agreed announcement was also test good faith and value of agreements but had operated only to advantage PRC. American spokesmen had and would continue express growing sense outrage of American people against PRC bad faith in carrying out that agreement. PRC failure resolve question American civilians belied their professions desire improve relations, et cetera. Also cited failure PRC agree renunciation force.

Give and take centered almost entirely around implementation with Wang reiterating familiar charges, and I reiterating theme only way to progress was carrying out agreed announcement, citing GOI and UK as proofs of who had demonstrated good faith with respect agreement. During course give and take informed him departure of Lee Li-Chuen.4

Meeting closed on note my blunt reiteration release Americans and renunciation force essential.5

He accepted my proposal next meeting Thursday April 11.

[Page 497]

Full record by pouch leaving tonight.

Returning Prague tomorrow morning.

[Johnson]
  1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 611.93/3–1457. Confidential; Priority; Limit Distribution. Repeated for information to Saigon for Robertson who was traveling with Dulles following the SEATO meetings.
  2. Reference is to the statement made by Dulles on China policy on March 12 at the SEATO meetings in Canberra. The statement began: “The United States adheres steadfastly to the three main aspects of its China policy, which is to recognize the Republic of China; not to recognize the so-called People’s Republic of China; and to oppose the seating of this People’s Republic in the United Nations as the accredited representative of what the charter calls the Republic of China.” Full text of the statement is printed in Department of State Bulletin, April 1, 1957, pp. 531–532.
  3. In paragraph 1 of guidance telegram 895 to Geneva, March 11, Johnson was instructed to: “Keep discussion throughout meeting centered on growing sense outrage American people over failure Chinese Communists keep pledge of September 10, 1955”. (Department of State, Central Files, 611.93/3–1157) In letter No. 66 to Johnson, March 8, McConaughy noted that before Robertson left for Canberra, his “last word was that you could and should be as tough as you wanted to be in dealing with Wang on the violation of the Agreed Announcement. He sees no reason to pull your punches on this issue”. (Ibid., Geneva Talks Files: Lot 72 D 415, Geneva, US–PRC Talks, Misc. Docs. 1956–1957)
  4. Lee Li-Chuen was a seaman on a ship registered to the Republic of China who had overstayed a period of temporary admission to the United States and was subject to deportation. According to the full record of the 66th meeting sent to Washington by pouch on March 14, Johnson informed Wang that Lee Li-Chuen had left the United States on February 23 en route to Hong Kong, with the intention of proceeding to the People’s Republic of China. (Ibid., Central Files, 611.93/3–1457)
  5. In letter No. 55 to McConaughy, March 14, Johnson noted: “You will see that nothing remarkable developed at today’s meeting. At the end I virtually dared him to make a move to break off if he wanted to but he didn’t accept the challenge”. (Ibid., Geneva Talks Files: Lot 72 D 415, Geneva, US–PRC Talks, Misc. Docs. 1956–1957)