207. Telegram 747 from Geneva1
747. From Johnson.
Comments today’s meeting:
1. Wang’s entire attitude throughout meeting was deliberately much more brusque and in general harder than at any previous meeting. This change in attitude was particularly marked in comparison with last meeting with respect to his refusal to give us further info on Americans and implementation announcement. Had feeling he was acting under definite instructions regarding his tone and that at last meeting he had promised more than Peiping willing deliver with respect information on Americans.
Believe this change derives from a) our attitude on proceeding to agenda item two; b) our attitude on “invitation” under agreed announcement (possible Wang is in trouble with Chou over this point); and c) our immediate and sharp reaction to his September 14 public statement.
[Typeset Page 271]2. Although he continued press me throughout meeting start discussion agenda item two there was no move on his part to bring matters to a head and I felt no necessity of using authority given me in paras 6 and 8 Deptel 745. Also my ability make statement contained para 7 Deptel 745 was of great assistance in keeping situation fluid. My thought in permitting [Facsimile Page 2] him for first time in several meetings to suggest date for next meeting was to test his anxiety to move on and, in agreeing to his suggestion of September 23, to use authority in paras 6 and 8 Deptel 745 at that meeting if it seems desirable do so.
3. Felt I was completely on top of “invitation” situation today and that Wang fully realized weakness his position. Notable that today he entirely avoided use of word “entrust” which so heavily employed his letter. Doubt he will take further initiative this regard but we may want do so dependent on developments with UK Charge Peiping by next meeting.
- Source: Department of State, Central Files, 611.93/9–2055. Secret; Priority; Limited Distribution.↩