40. Telegram 335 from Geneva1
335. From Johnson.
Hammarskjold called on me this morning to give account call Wang made on him Saturday morning. Wang delivered written message from Chou thanking Hammarskjold for his last message stressing release flyers not because UN resolution or UN pressure, expressing disturbance at “propaganda” on UN role, stressing desire maintain “personal” contact with Hammarskjold, and intimating desire Hammarskjold play go-between role in my negotiations with Wang. Hammarskjold transmitting copy to New York for delivery Lodge.
Wang then went on with oral presentation concerning now is time for deeds (inferentially by U.S.—not clear whether this element also included in written message). Wang then laid entire stress on representation as issue as field in which “deeds” expected indicating some flexibility in choice of country and exact formula.
Hammarskjold said in reply he stressed he could not and would not play any “go-between” role but willing do anything he properly can as “third-party”.
[Typeset Page 41]I outlined to Hammarskjold exact situation on Chinese students, assurances I had given CHICOMS this regard, expectation performance CHICOMS with respect Americans to equalize situation, problem we faced on representation and our present thinking this regard. He expressed full understanding.
Hammarskjold thinks that as “Menon channel has not produced [Facsimile Page 2] anything” Chou now hopes use him. My feeling, which I did not state to Hammarskjold, is that Chou hopes to continue playing both lines.
- Source: Department of State, Central Files, 611.93/8–755. Confidential.↩