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

310. Highlights third meeting2 follow:

Handed Wang list five names suggested Deptel 359.3 Made brief comments their list Americans pointing out inter alia Downey and Fecteau civilians not military4 (Wang subsequently explained listing Downey and Fecteau referred to nature their “crimes” which military). I then discussed Wang’s 4 proposals of last meeting. Re first said seems go beyond terms reference talks, also involves thousands names. Need further time consider. Re second and third proposals handed Wang list 76 names, reiterated assurance all restrictions lifted on return Chinese to mainland, explained no general deadline for departure students but cases dealt with individually and postponements departure granted for good cause. Re fourth proposal said could not yet give reply. Concluded by contrasting present freedom Chinese in US depart and continued detention 40 odd US citizens China.

[Page 15]

After 10 minute recess requested by Wang, he again asked complete list Chinese nationals in US, denying this request exceeded terms reference; welcomed receipt list 76 but expressed dissatisfaction lack of info on all Chinese in US, similar that given us on all Americans China; reiterated familiar contention only US citizens detained China guilty crimes who dealt with by law, therefore no basis US ill feeling. Also made statement on alleged causes “Chinese ill feeling” toward US. Said will examine individual cases Americans and prepared accord lenient treatment. Welcomed US willingness take time consider his fourth proposal.

I replied briefly Wang’s remarks reserving right reply more fully next meeting which I suggested be postponed to August 8. Wang readily agreed, exhibiting no anxiety force peace talks. Wang stressed his compliance our agreement re press, saying Chinese hoped meetings would settle matters under discussion not become propaganda forum. I affirmed our full adherence press agreement.

[Johnson]
  1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 611.95A251/8–455. Confidential; Priority.
  2. Johnson reported the meeting in detail in telegram 315 from Geneva, August 4. (Ibid.)
  3. Telegram 359 to Geneva, August 3, instructed Johnson to give Wang a supplementary list of five Americans whom the Department believed were prevented from leaving the mainland. (Ibid., 611.95A251/8–355)
  4. In the lists which Wang gave to Johnson at the August 2 meeting, Downey and Fecteau were the only two persons listed in the fourth category, “American Military Personnel Who Have Committed Crimes”. Johnson commented further in telegram 321 from Geneva, August 5, which reads in part as follows:

    “It will be seen I carried out my original plan of trying avoid highlight Downey and Fecteau but keep them grouped with civilians making clear we expected same treatment as for other civilians many of whom are also called ‘US spies’. This also has advantage of enabling me maintain discussion Downey and Fecteau under agenda item one. As will be seen from yesterday’s meeting Wang did not contest my claim they were civilians but his ambiguous answer and separate classification lead me believe these are probably going to be the most difficult cases. However do not believe productive for time being take any further initiative with regard to them but await developments from ChinCom side. Am trying avoid being drawn into futile arguments on merits individual cases.” (Ibid., 611.93/8–555) For Johnson’s report of the August 2 meeting, see Document 4.