28. Telegram From Ambassador U. Alexis Johnson to the Department of State 1
537. 1. In addition my 520,2 at this morning’s meeting many references by Wang to “pressure”, “demands”, “would never respond pressure” etc all of which I of course attempted counter. When on this theme he showed more feeling than on any other point.
2. However irrational, their position seems to be that if they release all Americans before or simultaneous with representation agreement it would publicly be interpreted as “yielding to pressure”. They are willing announce release some Americans as purely unilateral act prior to public announcement representation arrangement but must first have firm commitment. They will then subsequently announce further release Americans but will not commit themselves to all as this would be “interference with their sovereignty, legal processes” etc. etc.
3. I went as far as I felt I could under my present instructions to meet whatever substance this may have in their minds by stating that if their solution encompassed release all Americans and it was only question timing in relation announcement representation arrangement this could be worked out. However, Wang showed no interest: He also showed no interest in my amendment para one by insertion phrase “as result official action taken in accordance with its governmental processes”.
4. His replies to my references Chou’s statement were weak and beside the point. He avoided direct reply to my reminder that he had [Page 47] promised me last year “review” cases and that in interim only five civilians out of thirty had been released from prison.
5. Deadlock is now very tight and little scope for further discussion until there is some shift in position one side or other.
6. Subject to Dept’s suggestions or instructions believe I can do little at next meeting but reiterate our positions as necessary and pick up remaining questions on representation arrangement which is subject separate tel.3
(I deliberately avoided details representation arrangement today in order concentrate on and highlight fundamental issue.)
7. Would appreciate Dept’s instructions on whether if negotiating situation permits it would approve my attempting explore possibility release some now with commitment release remainder within definite time limit, say three months. Even if it could be obtained ChiComs would in all probability not be willing make such commitment public.
- Source: Department of State, Central Files, 611.93/8–1855. Secret; Priority; Limit Distribution.↩
- Supra .↩
- Reference is apparently to Johnson’s telegram 540 from Geneva; August 18. See footnote 3, supra .↩