157. Telegram 677 to Geneva1
677. For Johnson. Your 658.
Agree text proposed announcement quoted reftel as good as can be expected. While we would like agreement as to time release Americans it should not be pressed so as to jeopardize agreement on proposed [Typeset Page 205] announcement. You should argue on Tuesday for time agreement but if not forthcoming you should indicate your agreement ad referendum that in next meeting PAREN presumably on Friday PAREN there should be agreement on announcement quoted reftel and manner and timing thereof without our insisting agreement on time release Americans. Make clear however that word QUOTE expeditiously QUOTE means just that and we expect announcement to be carried out in that sense. Would like your views on timing of publication of announcement. We believe announcement should be simultaneous Geneva, Peiping and Washington or Denver at agreed time.
FYI Following announcement we believe meetings should continue not oftener than twice a week at which the subject for discussion would be implementation and details and progress in carrying out agreed announcement. Discussion about item two should not be engaged in until it is clear that agreed announcement is initiated in good faith. Under such circumstances discussions can be had as to what should constitute item two on agenda. Such discussions should be recessed whenever it becomes apparent Communists are not [Facsimile Page 2] carrying out agreed announcement in good faith.
- Source: Department of State, Central Files, 611.93/8–3155. Secret; Priority. Drafted by Phleger and Sebald; cleared by McConaughy and cleared in substance by Dulles and Robertson on September 1.↩