130. Telegram 622 to Geneva1
Washington, August 24, 1955, 2:38
p.m.
622. For Johnson. Your 586 and 594.
- 1.
- Department unable authorize any private understanding with Chinese Communists which would involve any US commitment or concession to them. Hence any private statement implying US acknowledgment of scope or validity their judicial processes would be unacceptable. However, private oral commitment by Chinese Communists as to the maximum period meant by word “promptly” in Chinese portion draft agreed announcement would be acceptable and need not be made public unless breached.
- 2.
- We believe you should press Wang insistently for immediate release Americans whose cases they admit have already been reviewed favorably. We do not see that failure to date to reach agreement on proposed announcement should impede release Americans whose cases already favorably reviewed. You may give Wang emphatic reminder that no repeat no Chinese being held this country pending issuance agreed announcement. They are free to leave now. Reciprocity by Chinese expected. You might point out that continued detention Americans whose cases completed [Typeset Page 163] is directly contrary Chinese Communist contention that all cases disposed within framework [Facsimile Page 2] their laws and juridical procedures. Denial departure right to Americans whose cases completed constitutes admission they being held as hostages for political advantage. This is irreconcilable with basic tenet which Wang has maintained.
- 3.
- You are given authority requested paragraph 6 your 594 to agree in your discretion bring language paragraph 1 US portion into conformity with language paragraph 1 Chinese portion. It would be understood that “further appropriate measures” on US side would refer only to acceptance limited third party representation arrangement.
- 4.
- The policy questions raised in paragraph 5 your 594 and in your 599 will be dealt with later message.
Dulles
- Source: Department of State, Central Files, 611.93/8–2355. Secret; Niact; Priority. Drafted by McConaughy; cleared by Dulles and Phleger.↩