187. Telegram 722 from Geneva1
722. From Johnson.
1) I opened this morning’s meeting with a prepared statement along lines of Deptel 718 closing with hope Wang would give me similar detailed information on implementation announcement. He replied with some general statements that wide publicity given in China and proposed US “present official text agreed announcement to UK” and they would do likewise with India “which would complete official procedures after which PRC would formally notify UK Charge in Peking”.
2) I replied by asking series questions on method whereby Americans in China unable to read Chinese would obtain information on announcement, how those in jail would be informed, facilities for those in jail communicate with UK Charge (particularly concerned this point as still 4 persons in jail from whom no letters whatsoever received), arrangements for UK Charge interview Americans in jail when in accordance announcement US desires facts be investigated, meaning “prescribed period” within which Fathers Gordon, Hyde and Joyce ordered to leave, date and time 10 Americans notified last meeting will arrive Hong Kong, and specific information on health and welfare each American in jail not yet released.
3) Wang replied full text announcement would be carried in English language publications in PRC, those in jail would have announcement translated and read to them. Did not reply on freedom prisoners communicate with UK Charge, said investigations by Charge would be “in accordance with terms of announcement”, would subsequently inform [Typeset Page 245] me of anticipated dates of arrival Hong Kong released Americans and on health and welfare those still [Facsimile Page 2] imprisoned. He then returned to his proposal formal text announcement be given UK by US and India by PRC. PRC will then give full information to UK on their responsibilities “entrusted” to them by US.
4) He then asked my assent to his speaking, on which I indicated I had nothing further to say this morning and indicated no objection. He then pulled out and read a long prepared statement to effect now that “agreement” reached on item 1 should turn to item 2 under which desired raise two points: US economic blockade and embargo and preparation for “negotiations at a higher level on easing and elimination of tensions in the Taiwan area”. Also asked what I thought should be discussed under item 2.
5) At close his statement I said I had “noted it” and stated that I also had matters which I wished to discuss under item 2 “at the proper time” but felt it was premature. “I cannot consider item 1 finally disposed of until all Americans in PRC who desire return are able to do so.” “Agreed announcement represented advance but way in which carried out cannot but help influence atmosphere in which discussion item 2 carried on.” Hoped we could quickly get to item 2.
6) Wang apparently surprised and not prepared for my position which he characterized as very strange and regrettable. In much inconclusive give and take along these lines, I pointed out item 1 could have been quickly and completely resolved if they had permitted all Americans return but 19 Americans still detained, etc. In reply specific question as to when I would consider it “proper time” proceed item 2, I stated “when it is clear the terms agreed announcement being faithfully implemented.”
7) At end of meeting when usual question arose as to what to say to press, he said “I will inform press of the two items I have raised and you are free to tell them what you wish”. I misunderstood and interpreted his statement as meaning only that he was going to tell the press we had discussed agenda items 1 and 2, and replied that I was going to inform press simply that we had [Facsimile Page 3] exchanged information on implementation agreed announcement. On comparing notes my advisors after meeting I am now clear that what he meant was that he was going to inform press two subjects raised his prepared statement this morning which he has done. Regret I did not realize this was his intention or I would have protested as contrary spirit our agreement on private nature talks.
8) Next meeting Tuesday, September 20.
Note: Mr. Waddell’s office (FE) notified 9/14/55 10:53 a.m. EMB (CWO)
- Source: Department of State, Central Files, 611.93/9–1455. Confidential; Niact.↩