120. Telegram 602 to Geneva1
602. For Johnson. Your 571.
1. PAREN a PAREN Word QUOTE nationals UNQUOTE has purposely been dropped minimize possible Chinese claim that we recognize in public document jurisdiction of PRC over Chinese in USA. Not recognizing PRC as legal government China we are unable agree that Chinese in USA are its QUOTE nationals UNQUOTE.
(b) No objection adding phrase QUOTE and the Government UK may also do so UNQUOTE. We purposely omitted phrase because we unable see that it would have any utility and we did not want to seem to think that it had.
2. Deptel 599. Delete word QUOTE residing UNQUOTE in first sentences in second and third paragraphs because QUOTE residence [Typeset Page 152] UNQUOTE has technical meaning not applicable to many Americans and Chinese within scope of arrangements.
3. After full consideration we believe that basic text our 599 is sound and should be pressed vigorously with oral understanding with Wang that word QUOTE promptly UNQUOTE is defined as indicated Secretary’s [Facsimile Page 2] 569, paragraph 1. We would not be willing proceed to item 2 of agenda until all Americans actually released or acceptable time limit agreed upon.
4. If it should prove utterly impossible get Wang’s agreement to foregoing without an QUOTE understanding UNQUOTE, you are authorized indicate you would consider ad referendum an oral QUOTE understanding UNQUOTE which would cover both Wang’s jurisdiction point and definition word QUOTE promptly UNQUOTE. If we agreed to QUOTE understanding UNQUOTE it could not repeat not be private. It would have to be announced simultaneously with agreement. Text this QUOTE understanding UNQUOTE telegraphed separately.
- Source: Department of State, Central Files, 611.93/8–2255. Secret; Niact. Drafted by Sebald, McConaughy, and Phleger; approved in draft by Dulles.↩