461. Telegram 1530 to Geneva1
1530. For Johnson.
Chinese Communist Vice Minister made following reply to letter sent by O’Neill make representations on behalf McCarthy:
QUOTE
American criminal McCarthy offended against Chinese law and has been sentenced by competent Chinese Authorities. During period of his sentence McCarthy has no right demand repatriation and accordingly question of his encountering obstruction in departure does not arise. According to statement agreed to during Sino-American Ambassadorial talks, American criminals in China are basically different from law abiding Americans in China. American criminals in China cannot exercise their right of repatriation until Chinese Government has adopted measures. As to what sort of measures China adopts in accordance with its own legal procedure, and when it adopts these measures in respect of these persons, this is a matter of [group undeciphered. China’s] sovereignty and will be decided by China herself.
UNQUOTE
[Facsimile Page 2]You should register emphatic protest this gross misrepresentation and violation of agreed announcement in your presentation under paragraph 3 guidance telegram.
[Facsimile Page 3]- Source: Department of State, Central Files, 611.93/1–2356. Confidential; Priority; Limited Distribution. Drafted by Clough; cleared by Phleger in substance and Sebald. Brackets are in the original.↩