Foreign Relations of the United States, 1955–1957, Volume III, China, Microfiche Supplement

521. Telegram 1718 to Geneva¹

Washington, March 5, 1956, 7:24 p.m.

1718. For Johnson.

Guidance for March 8 meeting.

1. Although Chinese Communist statement of March 4 may indicate approach turning point in Geneva talks, we wish to proceed along established lines as if break not anticipated. Your basic tactic should be to keep onus for any prospective rupture squarely on Wang while maintaining integrity our position. You should pitch your discussion in moderate key at same time avoiding defensive posture and maintaining continuous pressure on Wang on both repatriation and renunciation issues.

2. Restate US view that public statements, particularly those couched in terms approaching ultimatum such as March 4 statement, can only hinder progress of talks. Read US reply for record and note that US will continue to set public record straight whenever need for such action created by Chinese Communist misrepresentations.

3. Take up Communist March 4 statement item by item, answering it with same type argumentation you have effectively used past meetings.

4. Press for Communist release of 13 Americans, emphasizing increasingly obvious Communist use of them as political hostages.

5. Continue to reject Communist demands for investigation status individual Chinese in US in absence specific allegation of obstruction. Since Wang has specifically alleged that Tan Wen refused permission depart by INS, Department is investigating this case. FYI Department has requested INS discreetly obtain pertinent information on all Chinese named by Wang. This will not be turned over to Communists but will be useful in event Wang alleges specific obstruction to departure or individual should become center of public attention. End FYI

6. Inform Wang that Department will send copies Agreed Announcement by registered mail to 37 Chinese named by him if current addresses can be found. Remind him that no case of Chinese claiming obstruction in departure has been brought to Department by Indian Embassy.

Hoover

1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 611.93/3–556. Secret; Priority. Drafted by Clough and McConaughy; cleared in draft by Phleger and Sebald. Repeated Priority to Karachi for Robertson as telegram Tedal 13.