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

660. Telegram 2183 to Geneva¹

Washington, June 19, 1956, 8:06 p.m.

2183. For Johnson.

Guidance for June 21 meeting.

1. Continue your efforts obtain maximum psychological advantage from our pending initiative on offer to Chinese prisoners of repatriation and on Indian visits to verify this and freedom of choice. You are given discretion in determining how you will exploit absurd position Wang took at last meeting in objecting Indian Embassy performance its role, and in demanding unconditional release of Chinese criminals. Although we believe it is psychologically too early apply renewed high pressure to Chinese Communists on implementation, especially in view release Clifford and Phillips last week, we do not believe we can afford fail take note ridiculous situation in which Wang has placed himself. It may be possible to capitalize on it at least to limited extent without forcing Communists into more rigid position on American prisoners. Also point out 17 additional Chinese from US have returned to mainland since May 23. Total 177 since August 1.

2. FYI Indian Embassy has informed Department by letter today it will have to await instructions from New Delhi before it can accept our invitation visit prisoners. This possibly foreshadows Indian refusal make visits, resulting from Chinese Communist request Indians abstain. Rejection our invitation would be embarrassing for Ambassador Mehta, who expressed gratification when we made decision. Department officer will probably call on prisoners alone, if Indians refuse participate. This would seem best expedient open to us but from public relations standpoint it would not be as good as Indian visits.

3. If you consider it advisable, you may inform Wang two of Chinese prisoners named in list which we gave to Indian Embassy (FYI Nos. 15 and 27 on list) have recently been released from prison on expiration of terms, and that Indian Embassy informed. Coincidental that these two men were released about same time Clifford and Phillips released. Endeavor avoid any implication relationship. FYI Five more Chinese prisoners will become eligible for parole next two months.

4. FYI Chinese Embassy here pressing us hard for permission its consuls visit Chinese prisoners immediately. We have informed Embassy we acknowledge its right visit prisoners for legitimate purposes and we will assist if satisfactory reason shown. In light GRC refusal accept prisoners on release, obvious GRC intention pressure prisoners not to depart hardly seems sound grounds for visit. Prisoners already aware from our circular letter June 13 they need not depart for either destination if they do not want to. END FYI

5. Hold your ground on renunciation question. You may invite Wang reply in meeting to points made in our press release. We particularly would like have his explanation of reasons why he can not accept the slight additions to his December 1 draft.

Dulles

1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 611.93/6–1956. Secret; Priority; Limit Distribution. Drafted by McConaughy; cleared in draft by Phleger.