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

261. Telegram 804 from Geneva¹

Geneva, October 4, 1955, 11 a.m.

804. From Johnson.

1. Although first para Deptel 824 speaks of “presentation” text is drafted in form of letter. Unless otherwise instructed will assume Department concurs my view should be oral presentation and will make slight changes necessary for this form.

2. Again desire call attention to fact that by basing our approach on “accounting for” rather than presence in territory under control PRC as suggested draft Mytel 797 we provide better basis for PRC introduce demand for “accounting for 21,000”.

3. If this form approach retained desire to amend first portion last sentence third para of statement to read “this failure of your side has prevented the military authorities of my country etc”. Such wording broadens statement so that “failure” refers both to armistice obligations and lack of response to requests through mac while also avoiding erroneous implication “requests” have been from USG to PRC Government.

4. With respect 11 Naval and Coast Guard personnel must make some reference to our discussion same subject last year. Suggest adding “which case we discussed last year” to first sentence penultimate para statement and adding sentence to end same para “I would hope you would now be able to give me some info with respect to these eleven men”.

Gowen

1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 611.93/10–455. Secret; Priority; Limited Distribution.