Office of the Historian

689. Memorandum from Robertson to Dulles1

Washington, July 31, 1956
[Facsimile Page 1]

SUBJECT

  • Letter of Commendation from President to Ambassador Johnson

There is attached (Tab A), a memorandum from you to the President recommending that he sign the enclosed draft of a letter of commendation to Ambassador Johnson (Tab B) on the occasion of the anniversary of the Geneva talks. This letter was prepared in accordance with your oral request of July 20.

[Facsimile Page 2]

Tab A

Memorandum for the President2

Undated

SUBJECT

  • Letter of Commendation for Ambassador U. Alexis Johnson

On August 1 one year will have passed since Ambassador U. Alexis Johnson began his talks with the Chinese Communist representative at Geneva. This assignment has been particularly trying not only because of the inherent difficulty of negotiating with the [Typeset Page 1123] Chinese Communists but also because Ambassador Johnson has continued to perform his duties as Ambassador to Czechoslovakia. He has displayed unusual qualities of perseverance and resourcefulness in the [illegible in the original] of the talks at Geneva and I believe it would be appropriate if, on the occasion of the anniversary of those talks, you would send him a letter of commendation.

I recommend that you sign the attached letter of commendation to Ambassador Johnson.

Enclosure

Draft letter from President Eisenhower to Johnson3

Undated
[Facsimile Page 3]

SUGGESTED REPLY

Dear Mr. Johnson:

It has come to my attention that one year ago today you began the talks with the Chinese Communist representative at Geneva. I do not want this occasion to pass without commending you for the good judgment, resourcefulness and patience you have consistently displayed as the United States representative in this difficult negotiation. It is to your credit that you have been able to carry out this mission while continuing to perform your regular duties as Ambassador to Czechoslovakia.

Your efforts have undoubtedly accounted in large measure for the release in the last year of a number of our citizens wrongfully held by the Chinese Communists. Your efforts have also helped to preserve the peace in the troubled area of the Taiwan Strait.

You are entitled to take satisfaction in the able performance of an exacting task.

Sincerely yours,

  1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 611.93/7–3156. Official Use Only. Drafted by Clough; concurred in by Raymond (L).↩
  2. Official Use Only. Drafted by Clough. A handwritten note indicates the memorandum was signed on August 2.↩
  3. Official Use Only. Drafted by Clough.↩