554. Telegram 1706 from Geneva1
Geneva, March 29, 1956, 9
p.m.
1706. From Johnson.
- 1.
- Calm and mild one and a half hour meeting this morning with Wang soliciting and even urging new draft by U.S. and I tossing ball back to his court.
- 2.
- I opened meeting with prepared statement incorporating paragraphs 1 and 2, Department telegram 1804. Wang made no attempt to meet, but receding from take it-or-leave-it attitude on their October 27 and December 1 drafts, stated “If U.S. still found those drafts unacceptable, U.S. should put forward new constructive proposal and submit new draft”. I, of course, countered pointing out by all logic and normal negotiating procedures it was their turn put forward draft if they genuinely shared our desire for declaration. Much inconclusive fencing during remainder of meeting on point of who should submit new draft.
- 3.
- His reply my statement on implementation was very brief, reiterating in low key charges U.S. not carrying out agreed announcement and stating if U.S. has in mind only Americans in China and does not give due consideration problem Chinese in U.S., “this problem can never be resolved”. Again raised failure account Chinese in prison and on lists given me and asked for information on Pao’s ‘‘mysterious” death.
- 4.
- He proposed and I agreed to next meeting Monday April 9. In order I could make plans I asked whether he would agree next [Typeset Page 884] following meeting Thursday April 19. He asked decision be deferred until next meeting and I told him I expected make proposal April 19 meeting that time.
Gowen
- Source: Department of State, Central Files, 611.93/3–2956. Confidential; Priority; Limit Distribution.↩