707. Telegram 230 from Geneva1
230. From Johnson.
One hour fifty minute meeting this morning. I opened with statement along lines paragraphs 1 and 4 Deptel 248, handing him copy Aug 31 press release. He replied with statement on renunciation force and trade reiterating old points and then made fairly extensive prepared statement on plane incident during which he refused pick up Aug 31 press release, as “only PRC has right make protest this incident” and handed me copy Sept 2 PRC press release. In reply I pointed out that in my original statement I said I did not intend enter into discussion plane incident here and was giving him copy press release as matter of courtesy in order that his authorities would have full and accurate text. Noted we had already received through UK copy Sept 2 PRC release but glad take copy he had handed me. Then made fairly extensive statement on trade and renunciation force making it more explicitly clear than in opening statement that I was not willing discuss trade until they had accepted principle of renunciation force and agreement reached on text declaration. In course this statement emphasized our record flexibility on language renunciation force statement and willingness to consider and reconsider any language that preserved essential principles. Hoped he would be in position next meeting abandon May 11 draft and seriously negotiate with me on text which would preserve area of agreement shown our April 19 draft. Avoided any expressed or implied commitment we would present new [Facsimile Page 2] draft. In reply Wang accused me merely repetition old positions and stated PRC “would have to consider making its position public”. With respect to plane incident picked-up copy August 31 press release as “informal document for their information only.” I expressed regret they intended again resort publicity and propaganda and said that if they made statement US would, of course, have to consider making reply.
I then made strong and extensive statement on implemention in reply to which he asked whether US willing to release all Chinese in prison US “so they could return.” I of course immediately reiterated our position on Chinese prisoners and pointed out PRC bears full responsibility any delay in return any who might desire do so.
I agreed his suggestion next meeting Thursday Sept 20. Returning Prague tomorrow, arriving Sunday evening.
- Source: Department of State, Central Files, 611.93/9–756. Confidential; Priority; Limit Distribution.↩