149. Telegram 651 from Geneva1
651. From Johnson.
I doubt if it would be useful carry out suggestion first sentence paragraph 5 Deptel 654. It seems to me Wang’s immediate and obvious reply would be that if we had reached agreement “large number” of those with whom we concerned could have by now returned to US and that if representation arrangement they proposed was in effect reports on condition those remaining could be transmitted by or through such channel. Also seems to me probable Wang would feel required to reintroduce old demand for list Chinese in US or introduce some new demand re Chinese in US in order balance our action. All of this would serve further to take focus away from central issue of when all Americans are to be able return, enable CHICOMS to becloud this question, and possibly cause them further harden their position.
Will, however, use as it seems useful second and third sentences paragraph 5, although here again Wang can always also retort along foregoing lines.
Am I correct in interpreting last sentence paragraph 5 as desire I attempt fix next meeting for next week even though I do not use line in first sentence paragraph 5? I would plan suggest Tuesday September 6 with thought following meeting Friday September 9. However I may encounter difficulty with Wang and in this event would agree Saturday September 3. I am bothered by tending give any appearance I am less anxious than he to dispose item one.
- Source: Department of State, Central Files, 611.93/8–3055. Secret; Priority.↩