561. Telegram 1841 to Geneva1
Washington, April 5, 1956, 1:43
p.m.
1841. For Johnson.
Guidance for April 9 meeting.
- 1.
- Maintain strong position that Chinese Communists must implement their commitment release imprisoned Americans. Tell Wang that Chinese Communists should discard any illusion that their continued failure live up to their agreement will gain them political advantages. Also that failure carry out in good faith agreement already made is unpropitious basis for attempt make further agreements.
- 2.
- FYI We have asked General Swing ascertain from appropriate authorities whether all fifty Chinese aliens now known to be in Federal and State prisons can be released for deportation. If this can be done, we can consider whether their deportation would be advantageous move in securing release of Americans. Our reasoning is that this might improve our public position vis-a-vis Chinese Communists and Indians, increase pressure on Chinese Communists release Americans, and provide face-saving pretext for them do so. Decision not repeat not taken as yet, but under consideration. Request your comment. Bearing this in mind, it appears desirable for Wang continue advance claim that Chinese in prison are [Facsimile Page 2] covered by Agreed Announcement and entitled exercise right return to China, thus laying further basis for our claim regarding imprisoned Americans, and placing Communists in difficult position if Chinese in US prisons are deported. You should not of course intimate in any way we are considering extending our interpretation Agreed Announcement cover Chinese prisoners, but at same time avoid giving Wang opening to claim American prisoners not covered. END FYI
- 3.
- On renunciation force restate US position, but tell Wang positions both sides being restudied and intimate that new US draft may be forthcoming April 19.
- 4.
- Propose next meeting April 19.
Dulles
- Source: Department of State, Central Files, 611.93/4–556. Secret; Priority; Limit Distribution. Drafted by Clough and Phleger; cleared in substance by Dulles and by McConaughy and Sebald.↩