517. Telegram 1587 from Geneva1
1587. From Osborn.
3:30 p.m. today Chinese Communist CONGEN released 1,500-word statement Ministry Foreign Affairs PRC. Copies addressed Ambassador Johnson delivered half-hour ahead. Presume Department receiving by ticker as release made simultaneously Peiping.
Statement parallels Wang’s prepared statement last meeting. Reiterates demand for Foreign Ministers’ conference, says “One cannot but deem that purpose of American side is to trick statement out of Chinese side, then put off indefinitely Foreign Ministers’ conference so as to maintain present status US occupation Taiwan, interference with China’s liberation coastal islands.” Gives US two choices: If it is desired declaration specifically mention Taiwan dispute, must choose Chinese October 27 draft; if it desired statement not (repeat not) mention Foreign Ministers’ meeting, must choose December 1 draft.
Final sentence: “Chinese side cannot agree to talks being dragged out as it is, nor can it allow talks be used by US as tool to prevent China from exercising sovereign rights.”
Note: Mr. Carwell (FE D.O.) notified 3/4/1:55 p.m. EMB
- Source: Department of State, Central Files, 611.93/3–456. Official Use Only; Niact. Repeated Niact to Prague for Ambassador Johnson as telegram 28.↩