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

558. Letter 36 from McConaughy to Johnson¹

Letter No. 36

Washington, April 2, 1956

Dear Alex:

With reference to my last letter No. 35, of March 23, 1956, I am now enclosing copies of the two highly classified memoranda of Krishna Menon’s recent conversations in Washington, with Sherman Adams and [text not declassified]. I am sending you the text of these two documents since the flavor is somewhat different from that described in my last letter. My description was based on an oral briefing given me by [text not declassified]. My last letter was written before I had seen the memo of conversation with [text not declassified]. My oral briefing was based on a conversation of [text not declassified] and may more accurately convey the tenor of the conversation than the written memo. I have no way of judging that, but in any event we think that you should have the written summary of the conversation.

We discussed this latest Krishna Menon move with the Secretary shortly after I wrote you last. His reaction was that the move was probably an effort by the Chinese Communists to take an intermediate step in the direction of an eventual Foreign Ministers’ Meeting. His off-hand reaction was that we had nothing to gain by assenting to Krishna Menon’s suggestion, and that we would be walking into a trap if we did.

We all anticipate that Nehru may follow up on Krishna Menon’s initiative when he comes to Washington in July. This looks as if it is preparatory to a more active espousal of this proposal on the part of the Indians.

Wang’s more flexible and moderate attitude at the last meeting on March 29 amply confirms our feeling that the Chinese Communists are not contemplating an immediate break. Mr. Robertson is in Richmond today but we will have a meeting in ample time to consider the latest developments and get your instructions to you before the next meeting a week from today.

Drumwright rather objects to giving up Holdridge for any extended period. He points out that the important reporting on Mainland China developments from Hong Kong will suffer. With the pattern of the talks now getting pretty set, and with the big job of revision of the possible White Paper now finished, we may have to consider cutting you down to one advisor in the near future. Do you feel that you could get along reasonably well with just one man in addition to Col. Ekvall?

Regards and good wishes,

Sincerely,

Walter P. McConaughy

Enclosure

Memorandum from Hoover to Dulles²

Washington, March 21, 1956

Enclosed is a memo of conversation between Gov. Adams, Krishna Menon and Ambassador Mehta. The meeting was at the suggestion of the Indians.

We supplied Gov. Adams with appropriate briefing memoranda prior to the meeting.

Herbert Hoover, Jr.

Enclosure

Memorandum from Adams to Hoover³

Washington, March 19, 1956

SUBJECT

• Meeting with Krishna Menon and Ambassador Mehta on March 19, 1956

The purpose of the meeting seemed to center upon the suggestion made by Krishna Menon that overtures should now be made toward a meeting between the Communist Chinese Government and the Americans. The rationale of the suggestion was based on the desirability of exploratory discussions toward the resumption of diplomatic and trade relations.

Prompted by a reference to the possibility of the Formosan question being raised, it was readily admitted that the matter would unquestionably come up, but that the inclusion of Chiang Kai-shek in any such meeting was an obstacle which ought not to be permitted to intervene.

In answer to my emphasis upon the showing by the Chou En-lai Government of good faith and the willingness and ability to support and maintain guaranties and commitments respecting Far Eastern territorial integrities and like questions, Menon made the statement that those were precisely the points that the Chinese themselves raised in their discussion of possible negotiations. The purpose of any such conference in Menon’s mind was designed principally to show that a meeting could develop both solutions and good will. In answer to my questions he suggested such a meeting could be held in Vienna, and would be attended by Chou En-lai and a Presidential designee. He thought the Secretary of State would doubtless be too much engaged.

The Indian Ambassador spoke of the Nehru visit. Apparently he wished to convey that the change in Nehru’s plans had been brought about only with considerable effort.

No mention of nuclear tests or disarmament was made, and German reunification came up only with perfunctory reference, mainly by Menon’s reference to the fact that he had never believed that the Soviets should oppose free discussions between the peoples of divided Germany.

SA

1. Source: Department of State, Geneva Talks Files, Lot 72D415. Secret; Eyes Only; Official–Informal.
2. Confidential. Copies were sent to Murphy, Robertson, and Allen.
3. Personal and Confidential.