548. Telegram 1661 from Geneva1
Geneva, March 22, 1956, 3
p.m.
1661. From Johnson.
- 1.
- One hour forty minute meeting this morning. No change whatever.
- 2.
- Wang’s opening statement was devoid of any new content and closed with reiteration I choose between their two drafts. In response my last meetings characterization his position as war-like ultimata he made this charge against US citing alleged statement by Air Force Major General Hunter Harris to effect in event outbreak fighting Matsus would be no question but that there would be joint air support. I reiterated our position including willingness listen any reformulation essential points our January 12 amendments contrasting with their ultimatum and take it or leave it attitude. Renunciation closed with each of us hoping other would meet position of other at next meeting.
- 3.
- I attacked their March 11 statement as not helpful to negotiations and as containing gross distortions and misstatements of fact including charge we had prevented Indians making statement, I had admitted [Typeset Page 871] 32 Chinese detained, etc. Also made statement on Father Houles sentencing statement “protesting outrage” US authorities causing death of Daniel Pao (Pao Che-en) (See FBIS March 15 daily report) who placed under surveillance in 1950 after trying return and in 1952 “forcibly” sent to sanatorium “on pretense” he had TB and where he “mysteriously” died two months later obviously as result of US “persecution”. I made vigorous reply characterizing charges regarding Pao as desperate and absurd attempt cover up failure release 13 and characterized CHICOM treatment imprisoned Americans and other foreigners as “barbarous”.
- 5.
- Meeting closed on this acid and acrimonious note.
- 6.
- Next meeting Thursday March 29.
- 7.
- Departing for Prague tomorrow morning; returning Tuesday.
Gowen
- Source: Department of State, Central Files, 611.93/3–2256. Confidential; Priority; Limit Distribution.↩