424. Telegram 218 from Prague1
218. Reference: Geneva’s 1300 repeated Prague 17.
Will depart Prague tomorrow morning so as meet with Wang December 22.
Believe that at meeting I should strongly reject effort in Wang’s message use withholding agreement on recess force lines discussion.
Nevertheless if radio report I have just heard both Bradshaws released confirmed believe basing presentation on this I could usefully undertake some discussion renunciation force draft at December 22 meeting, in addition to presentation on implementation suggested my December 16 telegram from Geneva. Believe we might even give consideration [Typeset Page 614] introduction our amendments which while certainly not palatable other side might be useful in encouraging further releases and would place me in more advantageous position to propose recess until January 12.
In any event at December 22 meeting I would propose recess until January 12 and insist strongly on minimum of recess until January 5. However, would appreciate Department’s instructions on how far it desires me to go in insisting on recess. That is, does it desire I go to extent of simply telling him I am not prepared meet regardless his desires. This would of course result in hereafter tending make timing of meetings substantive issue which both of us have thus far avoided.
- Source: Department of State, Central Files, 611.93/12–1955. Confidential; Niact; Limit Distribution. Repeated Priority to Geneva for Osborn as telegram 23.↩