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

641. Telegram 2100 to Geneva¹

Washington, June 6, 1956, 6:57 p.m.

2100. For Johnson.

Guidance for June 8 Meeting.

1. You are authorized inform Wang of delivery Indian Embassy May 31 of US Aide Memoire enclosing list Chinese alien prisoners. Do not repeat not give document to Wang. While we realize Chinese Communists can obtain list from Indians, we wish avoid undesirable implications of formally turning over to Chinese Communists, in apparent response demand by them, information regarding Chinese nationals in US who have not indicated desire proceed Communist China.

2. We hope by our action make it difficult if not virtually impossible for Chinese Communists refuse British access American prisoners held in Communist China, and release of Americans. All our actions related this latest tactic are geared to overriding objective of placing maximum indirect pressure on Chinese Communists.

3. You are authorized your discretion tell Wang that US has refrained from giving any publicity to its decision give criminals option of return Communist China. FYI Leaks have not been officially inspired and are from sources we have not been able to identify. We have carefully avoided giving any official confirmation to rumors in this regard. END FYI.

4. You should not mention prospective letter to Chinese prisoners (Deptel 2090) at this meeting.

5. Reject as unfounded Wang’s allegation US obstructing departure children of Chinese going Communist China. On contrary US waives passport requirement for accompanying American-born children of Chinese aliens travelling mainland China. Indian Embassy informed of this arrangement and has not alleged obstruction any such case.

6. You are authorized your discretion refrain from taking any other initiative regarding implementation at this meeting or from linking our action with action expected of Communists on American prisoners. Use your judgment in answering any statement Wang may make in reply US proposal.

7. Concerning renunciation of force, no new proposal or argumentation by you contemplated. Adhere to defined position, pointing out futility of tabling proposals such as Wang’s May 11 draft, which Wang well knows is retrograde move which cannot succeed. Urge Wang reconsider merits our April 19 draft from Chinese Communist point of view. Call attention lack of any indication willingness on part of Peiping to recede from its “all or nothing” position and remark on contrast this attitude with public posture reasonableness and conciliation which Chinese Communists apparently endeavoring assume.

8. Department considers it tactically inadvisable for us propose omission meeting next week. Various unwarranted and possibly hurtful inferences might be read into such request. Accordingly you should suggest Friday June 15 for next meeting if you can return from your engagement in Nuremburg by then. Otherwise request nesting for Saturday, June 16.

Dulles

1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 611.93/6–656. Secret; Priority; Limit Distribution. Drafted by McConaughy; cleared by Phleger.