237. Telegram 779 from Geneva1
Geneva, September 27, 1955, 11
a.m.
779. From Johnson.
- 1.
- Greatly appreciate instructions contained New York’s 4 repeated Dept Dulte 1.
- 2.
- With respect second sentence para 4 suggest “possible presence in PRC of missing us military personnel” for listing missing US military personnel item.
- 3.
- This would be consistent with form presentation this subject I discussed while in Washington and with Hammarskjold (Mytel 257).
- 4.
- While I have not yet received statements mentioned para 5, New
York’s 4, believe that demand for “accounting” open to following
objections:
- A.
- Question of “accounting” is primarily between UN and Communist commands in Korea and thus subject for MAC.
- B.
- Raising question as “accounting” gives CHICOMS opportunity of rejecting question on foregoing grounds as not properly “practical question” involving only US and PRC or introducing here our accounting for 21,000 Chinese.
- C.
- Our raising question as “accounting” in these talks tends weaken our position on UN character command in Korea and by making one aspect Korean armistice implementation subject of US-PRC bilateral conversations.
- 5.
- It seems to me type of presentation I have in mind which is forecast by form I propose for listing not subject foregoing objections.
- 6.
- With reference para 6 New York’s 4 it will be difficult for me maintain position priority for both our subjects over only PRC subject we willing accept. While I would of course do so in initial presentation do not see how I will be able maintain priority for “renunciation of force” over “embargo” unless I concede lower position to “missing military personnel”.
- 7.
- Would appreciate Department’s comments and instruction prior to tomorrow’s meeting.
Shillock
- Source: Department of State, Central Files, 611.93/9–2755. Secret; Niact; Limited Distribution.↩