Foreign Relations of the United States, 1955–1957, China, Volume III

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

Geneva, July 11, 1957—3 p.m.

31. Two hour ten minute meeting this morning.

Wang opened with generalized statement attacking “policy of hostility” and “aggressive policy” aimed at overthrowing PRC set forth in Secretary’s San Francisco speech² as well as referring stationing guided missiles on Taiwan and plane incident.³ No mention Korea. Policy set forth by Secretary was meeting increasing opposition abroad and in US as well as meeting with defeat as exemplified by recent actions other Western countries concerning embargo. “Even in Taiwan patriotic people have risen in protests against this policy.” US proposal of renunciation of force was “deceptive and hypocritical excuse.” Then continued with statement on implementation referring previous inquiry on Dr Lin and making statement Tseng Kuangchi.⁴ Situation with regard to Chinese in US continues to be unsatisfactory.

I replied with long statement along lines paras one and two Deptel 36⁵ as well as making strong counterattack on PRC record of hostility toward US, PRC attack on US in Korea, PRC attempts at subversion of and support of rebellion against Asian states friendly to US, etc. Made detailed reply on Dr Lin pointing out that though she attempted take US funds in violation of US regulations she was permitted to proceed. Also made detailed reply on Tseng using material Deptel 40⁶ which much appreciated and most useful. Characterized our handling both Dr Lin and Tseng as most considerate for which we should receive appreciation rather than complaint. Wished problem imprisoned Americans would be handled with same consideration.⁷ Solution problem of imprisoned Americans “would permit US direct undivided attention to question reciprocal renunciation of force which remains fundamental to successful discussion other items under second part our terms reference.”⁸

Subsequent give and take largely restatement respective position on renunciation of force. PRC will never agree to any formula which violates its sovereign rights. Many PRC proposals for improvement relations have not raised “response or echo” from US.

No surprises or new developments, line taken by Wang being very much along lines anticipated by Deptel 36. His presentation, though, was largely pro forma and carried no intimation any intention break talks or make new move. At one point when I used term “new departure” in referring to renunciation of force he eagerly picked it up and used it as take-off point for urging new departure by US in talks. He also pointed out both sides agreed Taiwan area tension is fundamental problem. Gave no indication whether he caught my point on willingness continue talks even if all Americans released.

Next meeting August 8. Detailed record by pouch arriving Dept Monday.

[Johnson]

1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 611.93/7–1157. Confidential; Priority; Limit Distribution.
2. See Document 268.
3. Reference is to an intrusion on Chinese airspace on June 12 in the vicinity of Swatow by a sortie of planes launched from the U.S.S. Hornet. According to telegram 141949z from the Chief of Naval Operations to the Commander in Chief, Pacific Fleet; June 14, the intrusion was inadvertent and the planes returned to the Hornet once the mistake was evident. One of the planes was damaged by Chinese antiaircraft fire while in Chinese airspace. (Department of State, Central Files, 793.5411/6–1457) Wang characterized the intrusion as part of a “U.S. policy of creating tension and threat of aggression against China” and stated that such a policy could not achieve its ends. (The quote is taken from the full account of the meeting which was conveyed to the Department by pouch as an unnumbered telegram, July 11; ibid., 611.93/7–1157)
4. According to the unnumbered telegram cited in footnote 3 above, Wang alleged that Dr. Lin Lan-ying and Tseng Kuang-chih were mistreated and unnecessarily delayed by U.S. authorities before finally being allowed to leave the United States for China. Johnson responded by noting that Dr. Lin had attempted to leave the country with more U.S. currency than the law allowed. She was permitted to leave without the excess currency which was deposited to her credit in a blocked account in an American bank. Tseng Kuang-chih had been a student at several American universities since 1948 and had suffered from mental illness periodically during that time. In March 1956 he had applied for an extension of his stay in the United States, but after being admitted to a mental hospital in Indiana in May 1956 he had expressed a desire to return to China. As soon as he was physically able to do so, and an escort could be arranged for him, Tseng was permitted to return to China.

5. Paragraphs 1 and 2 of guidance telegram 36 to Geneva, July 9, read as follows:

   • “1. Remind Wang one of basic obstacles progress in talks and peaceful discussion and settlement problems threat posed by Communist insistence on use force if necessary.

     “This also basic cause of tension Far East, which imposes heavy burden on peoples of area. Essential first step to remove threat and tension is reciprocal renunciation force. Step deserves serious discussion long as necessary to reach agreement. Responsibility cannot be evaded by submitting number of drafts which reflect no serious attempt meet US view, then attempting shift discussion to corollary problems as Wang did year ago.

   • “2. Tell Wang your trip to US brought home depth concern American people for six prisoners. This ought to be short-run problem which need not require long discussion. Only requires measures promised by Communists in Agreed Announcement. American people cannot understand failure take such measures. FYI We hope that shifting usual order presentation foregoing subjects and emphasizing fundamental nature renunciation force problem and US willingness undertake prolonged discussion if necessary may help counter possible Communist belief that release remaining prisoners would result in prompt withdrawal US from talks. End FYI.” (Department of State, Central Files, 611.93/7–957)

6. In telegram 40 to Geneva, July 9, the Department reviewed the facts of the Tseng Kuang-chih case. (Ibid., 211.9311/7–957)
7. In connection with the remaining American prisioners in China, Johnson reported, in telegram 30 from Geneva, July 11, that he had talked that morning with U.N. Secretary-General Dag Hammarskjöld, who was visiting Geneva. Hammarskjöld discussed coordination of U.N. and U.S. efforts to secure the release of the remaining prisoners in China, and expressed his willingness to approach Peking again on behalf of Downey, Fecteau, and missing military personnel. Johnson indicated that he would convey Hammarskjöld’s offer to Washington. (Ibid., 611.93/7–1157)
8. Telegram 41 for Johnson from the Secretary, July 10, authorized Johnson, if he deemed it appropriate, to “allow Wang to know, that early release of remaining US civilians would not lead US to break off conversations now going on at Geneva.” (Ibid., 293.1111/7–1057)