652. Telegram 557 from Prague1
557. 1. On further consideration believe we should in my statement replying any CHICOM statement say something on implementation if raised in CHICOM statement.
2. Therefore subject to Department’s views suggest addition following if implementation included CHICOM statement: “All Chinese in United States continue be entirely free leave United States for any destination their choice and not (repeat not) single one has been refused exit. Neither Ambassador Wang nor Indian Embassy has brought to our attention single fact to contrary. I shall continue seek release 13 Americans still held in CHICOM prisons more than nine months after commitment permit their expeditious return to United States”.
3. Still believe any specific comment or background information on Chinese in United States prisons should come only from Washington. However, if question specifically raised in CHICOM statement and correspondents make inquiry believe Geneva could point out to correspondents use of “all” in foregoing. Because inability Chinese in prisons enter countries other than PRC or possibly GRC believe statement as worded valid even with respect imprisoned Chinese.
- Source: Department of State, Central Files, 611.93/6–1156. Confidential; Priority. Repeated to Geneva for Osborn as telegram 48.↩