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

129. Telegram 607 from Geneva¹

Geneva, August 24, 1955, 7 p.m.

607. From Johnson.

1. As the situation has developed do not believe that text of agreed announcement to explain recess contained my 551 is any longer applicable. Believe text somewhat along the following lines would be more appropriate and factually accurate:

2. “For the past . . . . weeks Ambassadors of USA and PRC have been seeking settlement of item one of their agenda, return of civilians both sides to their respective countries.

3. Ambassador Johnson has informed Ambassador Wang that all Chinese in US who desire to travel to PRC are now entitled do so and that US has adopted measures so that they may in fact promptly return.

4. Ambassador Johnson has also informed Ambassador Wang when the PRC has agreed that all Americans, including those involved in unfinished civil and criminal cases, can return to the US within specified period of time the US Government is willing authorize Government of India assist return to PRC of any Chinese in US who may request such assistance.

5. Ambassador Wang has informed Ambassador Johnson that PRC has completed review of some unfinished civil and criminal cases involving Americans but that he is willing inform Ambassador Johnson of results of such completed reviews and permit the return of Americans involved only when US has agreed to implementation of arrangement with respect to the GOI mentioned above.

6. Ambassador Wang has also stated it is not possible for PRC to estimate length of time it will take complete review of remaining unfinished civil and criminal cases and to permit Americans involved to return to US.

7. Ambassador Wang has informed Ambassador Johnson that PRC is willing authorize Government of UK to give same assistance to Americans in PRC as GOI would give Chinese in US.”

8. In view of fact foregoing statement would be used only in event Wang had proposed recess or recess had been proposed by me to avoid break in talks difficult to complete latter portion of statement explaining reason for recess which would depend upon Wang’s position at time. It is now clear he is certainly never going to propose or accept recess for purpose “completing reviews”. In absence my proposing recess prevent break most likely possibility would be proposal recess by Wang in order that we “could reconsider our position”. My tactic this event would be agree recess if he wants it but reject any implication we would reconsider our position. I would then propose agreed announcement along foregoing lines which I would hope would cause Wang to reconsider as it seems to me puts us in very strong public opinion position. Should he refuse I would tell him that we have no alternative but make unilateral statement along similar lines.

Gowen

Note: Advance copy to Mr. McConaughy (CA) 5:50 p.m. 8-24-55 CWO/FED

1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 611.93/8–2455. Confidential.