160. Telegram 672 from Geneva1
672. From Johnson. Re: Deptel 677.
Following are my preliminary thoughts on timing announcement:
Had assumed Department continued desire release “agreed announcement” by Wang and me here accordance paragraph 6, Deptel 391. “Agreed announcement” drafted in this form. Simultaneous release [Typeset Page 209] Washington or Denver and Peiping would it seems to me tend give intergovernmental character which we been trying avoid. Also would be very difficult coordinate three way simultaneous timing between Peiping Geneva and Washington or Denver. Would probably require several negotiating sessions with Wang with ever present possibility leaks and would in fact delay announcement and release Americans after substantive agreement had been reached.
One aspect to be kept in mind is that CHICOMs will if given any opportunity attempt, as with flyers, steal show with magnanimous unilateral gesture of release Americans prior release “agreed announcement”.
My thought is that only at Friday’s meeting would I reach final agreement with Wang on “agreed announcement”, he will thereupon in same meeting inform me of Americans being released. (Wang would presumably do same.) In this way Peiping would be forestalled from making any prior statement on release Americans as they would not finally know until meeting whether or not I would in fact agree to “agreed announcement”.
I should think that Washington or Denver should be prepared make text “agreed announcement” available immediately upon confirmation release accomplished here together with any comments that might be considered desirable.
Would appreciate Department’s guidance prior Tuesday meeting.
Note: Advance copy to Mr. Hodge (CA) 3:45 p.m. 9/3/55 CWO/FED
- Source: Department of State, Central Files, 611.93/9–355. Secret; Priority.↩