153. Telegram 659 from Geneva1
659. From Johnson.
Comments today’s meeting.
Wang was relaxed, made no serious effort press to any showdown, and showed no great sense of urgency. He quickly reached decisions at table on language draft and while immediately noting I had gone back on language our August 16 draft particularly on introductory para did not press his advantage this regard. Degree to which he conceded disputed points in draft also indicated they may not have been attaching same value thereto as we had assumed. While I succeeded in avoiding expressly committing myself to draft in face his willingness reach immediate agreement on text I will have to have very cogent reasons for introducing any further changes.
Thus only remaining issue appears be Wang’s refusal set any definite time for release remaining Americans. Both of us repeatedly and categorically stated our positions on this issue and there seems little left to say.
In considering our future course of action believe must recognize that we have cut back representation arrangement to point it is much less attractive to CHICOMS than something along lines their original [Typeset Page 195] proposal. Therefore its bargaining value is correspondingly reduced. Thus their desire to get to item two is probably principal lever which would move them towards accepting our position. Effectiveness lever difficult estimate and Wang may be doing good job dissimulation. However [Facsimile Page 2] I have feeling their desire get to item two still far from strong enough to overcome their very strong reluctance give up their position to degree that would be required to give advance commitment on time limit for release remaining Americans. Believe it would be mistake to interpret Wang’s flexibility on wording “agreed announcement” as any indication softening their position on substantive issue remaining Americans.
While at moment risk may not seem great I continue be concerned that there could at any time be development which would further delay release those Americans whose release can now be obtained.
- Source: Department of State, Central Files, 611.93/8–3155. Secret; Priority.↩