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

760. Telegram 638 to Geneva¹

Washington, December 10, 1956, 5:13 p.m.

638. For Johnson.

Guidance for December 13 meeting.

1. Continue your excellent attack of November 29 on Chinese Communist progressive nullification of terms of Agreed Announcement, drawing again on McCarthy case to illustrate your points.

FYI We are asking British to take up McCarthy case again in Peiping along lines suggested by O’Neill. There were some indications last week that Communists might plan release some or all Americans coincidental with Nehru’s visit December 16, but Chou’s December 9 press interview Calcutta raises some doubt. In event of release we would expect you to alter presentation accordingly, but maintain emphasis on implementation Agreed Announcement unless all ten released. Supplementary instructions will be sent you if time permits. Contingency statement drafted for possible use here being wired separately. END FYI

2. Maintain previous position on other issues.

3. Propose next meeting January 10 because of holiday season.

Hoover

1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 611.93/12–1056. Secret; Priority; Limit Distribution. Drafted by Clough and McConaughy; cleared by Phleger.