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

681. Telegram 60 to Geneva¹

Washington, July 19, 1956, 7:11 p.m.

60. For Johnson.

Guidance for July 26 meeting.

1. We believe it is important at the coming meeting to protest the prolonged failure of Communists to implement the agreed announcement on return of Americans. Point out agreement made more than 10 months ago, return was to be expeditious, and that 90 days had even been discussed as a limit of time. Point out our full compliance in letter and spirit with announcement, and our recent action in arranging for deportation of Chinese in prison, although they not covered by announcement. Point out that this U.S. decision made in light Communist repeated claims that they included so that there could be no possible basis for Communist continued refusal to release U.S. prisoners. Point out difficulty in making arrangements for exercise by prisoners of choice of repatriation and for participation by Indian Embassy; incomprehensible failure of Indian Embassy to cooperate due to request by Communist that it do not do so. Point out difficulty of making progress toward further agreements when those already made are not lived up to.

2. You should also point out inability understand failure of Communists to agree to meaningful renunciation of force, particularly when U.S. had accepted Communist formulation of December 1 with only slight additions to make clear its meaning.

3. With respect to topic of trade controls, we must maintain our fundamental position that there can be no fruitful discussion of this item under the over-hanging threat of use of force; that there must be a meaningful agreed announcement by parties renouncing force before trade embargoes can be usefully discussed. However it is hoped that without prejudicing in any way this position, you can lead Wang to disclose just what he has in mind as to the item of trade embargo and what changes the Communists propose in existing situation.

4. You may wish point out that unrealistic to think any country would help to strengthen economically another which threatens to use force if its demands are not met, by trading with it, where goods received in that trade could be used to support use of force. All this should lead back to discussion of necessity for meaningful renunciation of force in order permit progress in talks.

5. FYI Indian Embassy has not replied our letter of June 27 requesting reconsideration its adverse decision on visits to prisoners. Embassy has intimated we may get reply from Communists at Geneva before it receives reply from New Delhi. As it is clear Indians will be guided by Chinese Communist wishes in this matter we are not sanguine of reversal of decision. However will allow few more days for Indian reply before we arrange for visits to prisoners by American officials, probably with Red Cross observers.

6. FYI we are asking British Chargé Peiping to renew his request for permission visit all American prisoners. In view invitation we have extended to Indians, he is in favorable position press Chinese Communists insistently on this issue.

7. One more Chinese criminal Moy Lum No. 11 on list has been released from prison. Total of 3 released since survey made. You may inform Wang if you consider it desirable do so.

8. FYI Chinese Ambassador at our request has agreed instruct Chinese Consuls in this country to defer their visits to Chinese prisoners until we have had opportunity present alternatives to prisoners. END FYI.

Dulles

1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 611.93/7–1956. Secret; Priority; Limit Distribution. Drafted by Phleger and McConaughy; approved in draft by Dulles.