137. Telegram 624 from Geneva1
624. From Johnson.
As sidelight on today’s meeting there was much inconclusive discussion translation from one language to other terms “promptly”, “quickly” and “as soon as possible”.
Chinese expression which they insisted be translated “as soon as possible” actually means “most speedily”. Wang confirmed this by using as [Typeset Page 172] synonym colloquial term meaning “very quickly”. Could not clarify why Wang insisted upon inexact translation into “as soon as possible” and unwilling accept my suggestion of “quickly”. He objected to “promptly” on grounds had connotation of command. Although somewhat farfetched believe they may be confusing with use of “to prompt” as verb.
Foregoing is without any real significance to substantive issue but believe Department should be aware of type of problem we face on language.
- Source: Department of State, Central Files, 611.93/8–2555. Confidential.↩