164. Telegram 678 from Geneva1
678. From Johnson.
Two hour and twenty minute meeting this morning. Wang opened with statement on Americans granted exit permits.
I renewed request for time limit on release imprisoned Americans, pointed out still none able depart, measures taken by my government without condition permit Chinese depart, 83 departed since July 11, etc.
Wang repeated his former line this subject from prepared statement and after some give and take along familiar lines I asked series questions on “expeditious” confirmation imprisoned Americans whose cases reviewed would be able promptly depart on issuance “agreed announcement” etc to which he made replies identical with his previous statements.
I then indicated I was prepared recommend my government authorize me accept “agreed announcement” and desired compare texts with him. I gave him text which I pointed out represented my understanding our discussion last meeting, introduced no new changes, and hoped we could issue after next meeting.
After studying my draft and discussion of a few small nitpicks of which he accepted my version, discussion centered around “now” in para one PRC section and “in any such case” in paras two both sections, he requesting deletion. I pointed out he had raised no question on [Typeset Page 212] “in any such case” last meeting, and he noted I had not called their attention to “now” at last meeting.
[Facsimile Page 2]Only voiced objection to “in any such case” was that it was clear without it and phrase was therefore “unnecessary”. In reply my direct question said did not object in principle to phrase and I pressed my advantage to maximum. His argumentation was weak and he several times appeared to waver toward accepting phrase but appeared he had received instructions since our last meeting and he was not clear whether he was able concede.
Opposition to “now” in PRC section was very much stronger, implication of word not in accordance facts as far as PRC concerned, could never accept this word etc. I pointed out always included our drafts, while not in PRC drafts, they had not at last meeting or previously specifically raised issue, did not do violence to even their interpretation facts etc. Clearly his instructions on this very categorical and although I used to maximum my very strong negotiation position was entirely unable shake him.
He was very anxious propose next meeting be Saturday and I agreed.
Note: Mr. Waddell’s office (FE) notified 1:20 pm 9/6/55 (DES)
- Source: Department of State, Central Files, 611.93/9–655. Confidential; Niact.↩