305. Telegram 924 from Geneva1
Geneva, October 21, 1955,
noon
924. From Johnson.
- 1.
- At yesterday’s as well as preceding meeting Wang was relaxed and made no effort force pace of meeting or press discussion his subjects. Yesterday words “higher level meeting” or “trade embargo” were not mentioned even obliquely. His entire attitude last two meetings as well as readiness with which he agreed my proposal for weekly meetings give general impression of willingness, at least for time being, permit talks continue at leisurely pace without making effort bring any [Typeset Page 427] issues to head. This represents sharp contrast to his attitude at beginning discussion item two.
- 2.
- It may be they have now reached conclusion it is in their interest keep talks going more or less indefinitely even though they obtain no concrete results. On other hand their present tactics might be related to FonMin meeting and may undergo change following that meeting.
- 3.
- Possibility that should be considered is that, if their present desire is to keep talks going for their own sake even though no concrete results obtained, they may estimate our only interest in talks is to obtain release of Americans and when that is accomplished we will cut them off. They may thus be estimating that it is necessary for them continue hold some Americans to accomplish even limited objective of continuation talks. Not sure how we can meet this possibility but will be alert for any opportunity to confirm this theory [Facsimile Page 2] and do what I can to refute.
- 4.
- Wang will probably make opening statement next meeting replying my statement yesterday’s meeting on renunciation force. Question is what I can usefully say in reply other than reiterating points already made.
Gowen
- Source: Department of State, Central Files, 611.93/10–2155. Secret; Priority; Limited Distribution.↩