Office of the Historian

113. Telegram 560 from Geneva1

Geneva, August 20, 1955, 1 p.m.
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560. From Johnson.

One hour and half meeting this morning again with no visible progress. I opened with statement to effect our agreed purpose was settle matter return civilians, I had told him exactly what we had done with respect Chinese and were prepared to do representation, was still waiting know settlement his government proposed make Americans. When this information available could readily agree exact language public announcement but futile further discussion form words until both clear as to substance of what we are announcing. He replied reiterating previous positions but during course give and take I asked him series questions to which his replies made clear all repeat all cases being qte reviewed unqte, qte completion review unqte means persons can promptly depart for US, review all cases not qte completed unqte, qte he could not forecast time required complete remaining cases unqte which was dependent on qte nature case, conduct individual, improvement relations between two countries unqte. Talks were one indication improvement and agreement on putting third party representation into operation would be additional improvement. All this would qte make settlement of cases easier than in the past unqte.

Had made their qte best effort unqte. All argument that he would reciprocate frankness with which I had made detailed explanation action taken respect Chinese in US was evaded or brushed aside. My [Typeset Page 143] efforts this regard were qte infringement of sovereignty and interference their juridical processes which they could never accept unqte.

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I deliberately avoided any discussions details representation arrangement in order keep discussion focused on central issue. For same reason I also avoided answering familiar allegations treatment Chinese in US and their treatment Americans China.

Next meeting Tuesday, 10 A.M.

Gowen

Note: Mr. Waddell’s office (FE) notified 8/20/55 9:52 a.m. EMB (CWO)

  1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 611.93/8–2055. Confidential; Niact.↩