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

195. Telegram 733 from Geneva¹

Geneva, September 16, 1955, noon

733. From Johnson.

1. Anticipate that at next meeting Wang will insist on opening to which I cannot object as he deferred to my insistence on opening last meeting.

2. He may as promised at last meeting answer few of questions I asked on implementation agreed announcement, dependent on developments at that time raise question “invitation” to third countries, and then launch into attack on our refusal discuss item two at this time.

3. I will reiterate any unanswered questions on PRC implementation, deal as necessary with question “invitations”, give further info on our implementation, and then deal with question of taking up agenda item two.

4. I will appreciate Department’s suggestion or instructions on how I handle questions of “invitations” and agenda item two.

5. On first question of “invitations” have choice of squarely meeting issue if they show similar disposition or attempting avoid direct issue in meeting while being careful not accept his position. We have made our position entirely clear at last meeting as well as publicly, agreed statement is also clear, and it might be that to engage in sharp debate on this with Wang would give them pretext fail implement agreed announcement particularly in view our position on discussion agenda item two. I should be able avoid issue by avoiding further use of word “invitation” simply stating fact both United Kingdom and India now officially informed by US of agreed announcement, if they have done same no reason United Kingdom and India should not assume functions. However, believe we cannot finally decide how handle this until we know what attitude India is taking with respect our invitation on which I have no info here.

6. With respect second question of timing of discussion about agenda item two will desire make carefully prepared statement and in this regard would appreciate Department’s instructions in light what I said in last meeting and my subsequent public statement.

7. Am confident I can avoid any question of a break at next meeting but believe it important do maximum handle matter so as avoid ultimatum or challenge which could lead to freezing positions.

Gowen

Mr. Waddell’s office (FE) notified 9/16/10:31 a.m. EMB (CWO)

1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 611.93/9–1655. Secret.