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

285. Telegram 865 from Geneva¹

Geneva, October 14, 1955, 1 p.m.

865. From Johnson.

1. One hour forty minute meeting this morning. Wang opened with long prepared statement dealing exclusively with my last week’s statement on renunciation of force. While relatively mild in tone consisted almost entirely rehash previous positions. Said key to situation was withdrawal US forces from Taiwan. Our proposal was “abuse of principle non-recourse to force”. “Are you willing to discuss question withdrawal US forces from Taiwan?” Liberation Taiwan “cannot be made subject present talks”.

2. I replied with statement on implementation along lines Deptel 870 and then expressed disappointment lack of responsiveness his statement our proposal. I then made statement using material latter portion para 2 Deptel 870 and pertinent material previous statement on renunciation force. There was then some give and take during which both of us largely reiterated previous statements. However he did not challenge my statement that I hoped I could interpret his remarks as meaning he did not entirely reject our proposal. Towards end he gave me opening which I used to close on theme of implementation.

3. At close I proposed normal schedule weekly meetings and he agreed subject next meeting being Thursday. Understanding is subsequent meetings will be on Thursdays.

4. Am departing for Prague tomorrow morning returning Tuesday.

Gowen

Mrs. Welch (FE) notified 10/14/6:35 a.m. EMB (CWO)

1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 611.93/10–1455. Confidential; Niact; Limited Distribution.