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

4. Telegram From Ambassador U. Alexis Johnson to the Department of State ¹

Geneva , August 2, 1955—noon.

244. Second meeting with Chinese held August 2, 10 a.m. I led off with statement on Americans detained in China. I expressed deep concern of American people at continued detention of civilians pointing out many imprisoned over four years and others under house arrest or denied exit permits. I said despite my government’s efforts through various channels and direct talks initiated by Wang and me last year and continued at consular level results have not been entirely satisfactory as Wang himself stated yesterday. At least 36 American civilians still detained in China mostly in prison. I emphasized this causes continued deep concern to American people and inevitably heavily influences attitude of American people and government toward Wang’s government. I handed Wang list of 36 American civilians. I continued that although gratified at release 11 Air Force personnel I must in all frankness stress that only release of all Americans both civilian and military detained by Wang’s government would serve dispel ill feeling existing in US over this issue and bring about atmosphere permitting fruitful discussion other practical matters. I then told Wang I was aware his government’s interest in discussing question of some Chinese civilians in US. Said I would be glad hear his views.

Wang replied he had noted my statement, that he would answer some questions raised there this morning and others later. Then proceeded read prepared statement “status of American nationals from our viewpoint” as follows:

American nationals treated like all other aliens in China and accorded protection so long as they respect Chinese law. If they breach Chinese law treated as law provides.

Wang said his government had been informing US from time to time of status Americans in China and was now willing advise US once again of status of Americans and measures they intended to take out of special consideration. Classified Americans in four categories:

1. 42 ordinary Americans. This includes those who had applied to leave China and those who had not. Those under this category may apply and leave any time provided they not involved in unfinished cases. Chinese government is now reviewing cases those who applied and will advise results later.

2. 27 American civilians who have committed crimes. Persons this category always leniently treated considering crimes committed and their behavior. Those with good behavior may be granted early release. Out of humanitarian considerations Chinese government will allow relatives these persons visit them. Chinese government individually reviewing all cases and will advise later regarding each.

3. 16 American captured personnel of Korean war who refused repatriation. These may leave at any time according own will. Only recently three captured personnel of Korean war have returned US. Persons this category will be granted permits promptly on request and relatives may visit if desire.

4. American military personnel who have committed crimes. Besides 15 such persons already released at different times only two remain. Their crimes made known in past and US government knows what they are. Relatives these persons will be permitted visit if desire.

At my request Wang handed me lists persons mentioned above. Comment on lists by separate tel.²

Wang then took up question Chinese nationals in US. Said great majority these have families on China mainland. For long time due American government restrictions and practical difficulties these nationals unable freely return home join families. This is pressing question demanding solution, one which Chinese government always concerned about.

Wang continued both sides had concretely discussed question freedom Chinese nationals including students at Geneva during past year. On four occasions US had informed his government of Chinese leaving US. Of 27 such persons mentioned on first three occasions, six have still not returned to China. On fourth occasion, April 8, 1955, US representative stated 76 Chinese permitted leave but no name list given so impossible verify whether they have returned. There have not been necessary improvements in return of nationals including students from US. Wang said might as well point out that when his side issued exit permits to 27 Americans they always prompt and concrete in informing US.

Wang stated they recently informed that US Immigration Service notified many students they must leave US not later than September sixth and that those failing depart by that date were advised apply for permanent residence under Refugee Relief Act of 1953.³ Short time limit confronted Chinese with many practical problems. As result many may not be able leave in time and no choice but apply for permanent residence which will increase difficulties their return to mainland.

Wang declared both our governments deeply concerned over fate nationals. On basis mutual conciliation and mutual respect both sides share desire safeguard interest of nationals in other country including right return home. In order that nationals each side who desire return may receive attention Chinese propose:

1. Each side advise other status latter’s nationals residing their territory in same way Wang had just done re US nationals in China. Expressed hope name list would include all Chinese nationals in US including students.

2. US revoke all prohibitions and measures preventing departure Chinese including time limit which adds to difficulty their return.

3. US supply Chinese with name list 76 persons granted exit permits as reported April 8, 1955.

4. China and US each entrust third country of own choice take charge affairs of nationals each country, first of all, question their return. Chinese government proposes India.

Wang expressed hope we would give his proposals due consideration.

I replied I wanted study his proposals carefully and would give him detailed reply later. In meantime however I wanted to state that concern his government regarding Chinese students in US appears largely on misunderstanding of true situation. I said I was authorized formally assure him US imposing no restraints on Chinese civilians in US desiring proceed territory under control his government. I repeated that I could formally and categorically say to him that no Chinese student was being prevented from leaving US. I asked if he knew any Chinese student prevented from departing he let me know and I would have case investigated at once. I expressed hope in such event he would give me as much data as possible on each case just as I had done regarding cases of Americans detained in China.

Wang replied he would carefully study all I had said and reply at later meeting. He then proposed that since discussions had entered concrete stage meetings be held as a rule only every other day unless special reasons demanded more or less frequent meetings. I agreed to this proposal.

Referring to my proposal not to release information to press without prior agreement Wang said he had given matter careful study and agreed in principle. Said if any statement considered necessary by either side agreement should be reached with other or prior notification given. In this way discussions could be completely frank and informal.

I told Wang I pleased he agreed with me that adoption this procedure would contribute to frankness and informality of discussions. I suggested that any prior notification give reasonable time say one or two days although I did not believe it necessary specify exact limit. Wang concurred in this.

Wang then proposed we inform press we had discussed first item of agenda and that next meeting to be held August 4, 10 a.m. I agreed proposing we say nothing else concerning meeting to which Wang agreed.

I said I presumed Wang would concur that both governments should share equally cost of meeting room. Wang said that was reasonable arrangement and he felt cost unimportant compared with results talks might achieve.

As business concluded and we arose leave I told him Mr. Martin ⁴ whom he would undoubtedly recall would be joining us at next meeting. He then said in not unpleasant fashion that I would probably recall Mr. Li his interpreter at meetings at Geneva last year. He had been “murdered by agents of Kuomintang bandits” who sabotaged plane on which he flying Bandung. I expressed regret.

[Johnson]

1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 611.93/8–255. Confidential. Transmitted in two sections. Received at 4:50 p.m.
2. Johnson transmitted the lists without comment in telegram 255 from Geneva, August 2. (Ibid.)
3. Approved August 7, 1953; 67 Stat. 400.
4. Edwin W. Martin, Deputy Director of the Office of Chinese Affairs. Martin had been present during the meetings between Ambassadors Johnson and Wang at Geneva in June 1954.