Foreign Relations of the United States, 1955–1957, Volume III, Microfiche Supplement, China

185. Telegram 717 to Geneva¹

Washington, September 13, 1955, 7:41 p.m.

717. For Johnson.

Instructions for September 14 meeting.

1. Basic position remains as stated second paragraph Deptel 677.

2. While discussion concerning Item Two should be postponed if possible until Item 1 completed and in any event should not be engaged in until it clear Agreed Announcement initiated good faith, important bear in mind necessity avoiding breakdown talks.

3. It appears to us here that avoidance Item II topics can best be accomplished by taking positive position that urgent necessity exists for detailing numerous steps called for on both sides in implementation Agreed Announcement. Progress in effectuating Item 1 necessary preparation discussion Item 2.

4. You may make extensive statement on US implementation responsibilities it has assumed under its announcement. You will be given enumeration of US steps by separate telegram.

5. You should call for corresponding detailed account steps taken by PRC fulfill its responsibilities. This might include report on invitation office of UK Charge, listing measures facilitate contact American citizens with him, itemization steps taken assure widespread publicity for Announcement in places where it will become known to all detained Americans, whereabouts all Americans who wish to leave, welfare jailed Americans, progress 9 Americans already granted exit permits, status 3 other Americans not in jail who do not yet have exit permits, and movements and approved travel routes Americans enroute out of country or preparing depart.

6. There is no objection to a recess if desired by Wang, in which case it should be by agreed announcement.

7. If Wang endeavors obtain priority for his proposed Item Two topics by prematurely presenting a list to you at next meeting you should counter by telling him that you have Item Two topic in your pocket also (FYI missing American servicemen), but you are not presenting it yet because time is not yet ripe and same restraint expected from him.

8. Meetings should not be oftener than twice a week.

Hoover

1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 611.93/9–1355. Secret; Niact; Limited Distribution. Drafted by McConaughy; cleared by Sebald, Phleger, and Hoover.