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

258. Telegram 823 to Geneva¹

Washington, October 3, 1955, 7:15 p.m.

823. For Johnson.

Your 798. Guidance for 19th meeting Oct 5.

1. You are reminded that your basic instruction provides that no legitimate basis be given for Wang break off talks.

2. Failure Communists to implement agreed announcement should be strongly pressed. British report no RPT no word from any imprisoned Americans so far and no RPT no indication of Chinese Communist disposition to give detained Americans access to British Charge. In view conspicuous absence of any Chinese Communist move to carry out terms of Agreed Announcement as regards remaining detained Americans 3½ weeks after Agreed Announcement issued, Communist non-compliance with their obligation under Agreed Announcement should be principal topic next meeting. You should call Wang’s attention appropriate portions London’s 1212 and 1312 to Dept. Ask for explanation of evident inability imprisoned Americans communicate with O’Neill. Make it clear that in our view Announcement not being implemented by PRC and that Chinese Communist neglect so far to give imprisoned Americans benefit of Agreed Announcement makes it meaningless. Anyone in jail would certainly desire to be repatriated and in fact we know that at least 15 of imprisoned Americans applied for exit permits even before they were seized and imprisoned by the Chinese Communists.

3. You have authority to discuss subjects which might constitute Item Two and order of priority. First priority should be renunciation of force. Accounting for US military personnel should be placed next but may be placed below PRC item on QTE question of embargo UNQTE. If in your judgment it should be done, you are given discretionary authority to make revised presentation which has been telegraphed to you on renunciation of force, although it may be preferable hold off on this until following meeting. We must insure that presentation on military personnel is made at some stage but this can be put over until another meeting if you consider that this may safely be done. (Text revised presentation telegraphed separately.)
Department believes that you have sufficient material spelling out our rejection of Communist subject QTE negotiations at a higher level UNQTE.

4. Next meeting should be as far in advance as reasonably possible.

Dulles

1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 611.93/9–2855. Secret; Priority; Niact; Limit Distribution. Drafted by McConaughy and Sebald; cleared in substance by Phleger.