708. Telegram 231 from Geneva1
231. From Johnson.
Comments today’s meeting:
Although Wang said only they were “considering” public statement assume in accordance previous pattern they will in fact issue one from Peiping sometime prior to next meeting. Although Osborn will remain here to handle anything that might develop, am not planning any reply from here as assume Dept will issue whatever reply considered desirable.
Although I have now made entirely clear no “discussion” trade in absence renunciation force and also linked this to implementation Sept 10 agreement, should anticipate they may attempt exploit my willingness “listen” to what they have said on trade to give impression to third countries there has been some substantive discussion this subject, or at least commitment our part to consider lowering trade controls in exchange for abandonment their position with respect Taiwan. Might also anticipate their statement will follow Wang’s line at today’s meeting in attempting like US renunciation force proposal with “violation their airspace and territorial waters” by downed Navy patrol plane and search craft. In this regard Dept will note Wang anticipated and attempted enter into substantive discussion plane incident which I avoided by refusing reply his charges except by reference Dept’s Aug 31 statement.
Dept will also note at today’s meeting he more clearly than [Facsimile Page 2] ever in past invited new draft on renunciation force. While we can reach decision on tactics for next meeting only after seeing their public statement, believe it probably would contribute to our objective if at next meeting I was able introduce another draft on renunciation that would give appearance of something new.
- Source: Department of State, Central Files, 611.93/9–756. Secret; Limit Distribution.↩