11. Telegram 243 from Geneva1

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243. From Johnson.

Following some additional highlights gleaned from Menon’s remarks to me yesterday.

1. CHICOMS expect US concretely respond to gesture of flyer release by relaxing trade embargo, that is bring US trade controls to UN level. (Impossible say what extent this is message from CHICOMS or may only represent Menon’s opinion.) US goods going to Chinese through UK, many new US autos Peiping, self-denial on our part quixotic, etc.

2. CHICOMS had previously promised Menon to release 11 flyers and were all prepared to do so but handling release of four had irritated them in spite Menon’s warnings to US. What Secretary and President had said at time of release was good but what said subsequently by some had interfered. (I was not very clear to what he was referring by subsequent developments but there was some suggestion that giving public credit to UN was involved.) Protestations ad nauseum by [Typeset Page 11] Menon he had carefully refrained from claiming any credit; important point was only how he and India could quietly help etc.

3. GOI (Menon’s) work at Bandung etc. had made possible holding present talks.

4. Cease fire agreement possible on basis evacuation Quemoy and Matsu.

5. CHICOMS anxious for agreement with US but also must consider Chinese “public opinion”.

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6. Not fair to say CHICOM position is they will fight obtain demands if not successful in obtaining them by negotiation. Also in Chinese eyes question guns 7th Fleet pointing at them. Important point (according Menon) is they willing negotiate and important get negotiations going. (In context he was obviously pointing to Foreign Minister meeting.)

7. CHICOM revolutionary phase now finished and they are no longer “hanging people”.

CHICOM different from Soviet Union or satellites. Political parties with views different from commies tolerated and are not just commie stooges. Many former ChiNat officers successful in Chicom Army. CHICOM attitude toward Formosa “very liberal” and (according Menon) not many years until Chiang will be a “Governor General” of Formosa. Chiang entirely discredited on mainland and no serious opposition to commies.

8. Without directly referring travel relatives prisoners Menon raised desire CHICOMS receive American visitors, cultural exchanges etc.

I made no response except where it was possible do so without giving away my hand as I was convinced he was going to run and tell Wang anything I said. However I bore down heavily on renunciation of force by CHICOMS and gave him copy Secretary’s July 26 press conference statement with recommendation he carefully read it.

Menon called again this morning to say goodbye. He had seen Wang last night and said Wang was anticipating these talks will not last more than one week if “Americans are sincere”. Wang will raise trade embargo and few other matters but does not intend get down much serious business on “other questions”. All this to be left for ForMin’s meeting. Chinese realize probably cannot take place for some time but want agreement in principle and definite settlement date. Will more fully report this morning’s talk in later telegram.

Gowen
  1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 611.93/8–255. Secret.