Office of the Historian

587. Telegram 1818 from Geneva1

Geneva, April 26, 1956, 3 p.m.
[Facsimile Page 1]

1818. From Johnson.

1.
One hour 45 minute meeting this morning. Wang opened with a bare and flat complete rejection April 19 draft. Gave no sign whatever any willingness compromise language nor of intent offer alternative formulation.
2.
Made following points in presentation:
(A)
Requires PRC recognize status quo Taiwan area and GRC treaty;
(B)
If peaceful pursuit policy by both sides to be countenanced, including “US policy occupation Taiwan” what purpose served by peaceful negotiations?
(C)
Mixes international dispute and domestic matter; and
(D)
Failure couple Taiwan with FMC.
3.
In rebuttal I made points contained paras 1 and 3 Deptel 1912, avoiding any invitation to Wang to produce new alternative. At close of considerable give and take in reply his statement our draft had not met their objections I stated their objections appeared to have two aspects. First was whether draft prejudiced their position and second whether declaration was to constitute unqualified renunciation of force all our disputes including dispute Taiwan area. Satisfied my draft fully met all objections based on first [Facsimile Page 2] aspect. However, with regard second aspect, if PRC purpose is to retain ability use threat initiate force Taiwan area I agreed draft does not meet PRC position and US never would meet that position. To do so would be complete perversion of whole purpose of declaration. Wang made no direct reply.
4.
I made very strong statement on implementation along lines para 4 Deptel 1912. Wang replied along usual lines stressing “growing dissatisfaction Chinese people” with US implementation and during the exchange, in which I made points contained para 5 Deptel 1912 stressing Indian Embassy has not brought our attention single case obstruction. He challenged me formally to state that “not single Chinese now imprisoned in US”.
5.
Agreed Wang’s proposal next meeting Saturday May 5. Departing for Prague Friday morning.
Gowen
  1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 611.93/4–2656. Confidential; Priority.↩