Office of the Historian

657. Telegram 389 to Prague1

Washington, June 12, 1956, 7:35 p.m.
[Facsimile Page 1]

389. We have given most careful consideration to suggestion your 2009. After weighing all factors involved we have concluded balance of advantage lies with inclusion Taiwan reference in letter. Our reasoning as follows:

1.
Our public position would be indefensible both domestically and with respect to GRC if we did not at some stage give Chinese [Typeset Page 1056] convicts option going Taiwan. If this done prior to Indian visit, either by letter or orally, Indians almost certain learn of it when interviewing prisoners and would inform Communists. If done subsequent to Indian visit, this would open possibility of prisoner originally opting for Chinese mainland changing his mind. Effect of this would be far worse than if Indians learned prisoner had been offered free choice of two destinations in beginning. Since it is unlikely we can keep knowledge of Taiwan option from Indians, even if communicated to prisoner by means other than original letter, we consider best course is to keep record clear by presenting both choices in that letter.
2.
If we were confident Chinese prisoner move would bring about [Facsimile Page 2] release of Americans we would be willing run greater risk having our position misunderstood in US and on Taiwan. Wang’s attitude last meeting inspires little confidence that this move will succeed. Therefore omitting Taiwan reference from letter would not only not ensure Communists remaining ignorant of this option as pointed out above but even if they did, it now appears they unlikely respond favorably to Chinese prisoner move.
3.
Wang’s adamant opposition to Indian interviewing of prisoners may make whole question academic. If Indians should refuse conduct interviews it could do little harm to include Taiwan reference in letter.

Dulles
  1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 611.93/6–856. Secret; Limit Distribution. Drafted by Clough; cleared by Phleger in substance and by McConaughy. Repeated to Geneva for Johnson as telegram 2128.↩