8. Telegram 240 from Geneva1
240. From Johnson.
Details today’s meeting by separate telegram. However clear be release military personnel CHICOMS have spectacularly grabbed propaganda ball. World quickly forgets why these men detained and CHICOMS get credit for magnanimous gesture. Menon’s visit to me also well timed. As he was leaving office first telephone reports on release were just coming in and in his own inimitable fashion without saying anything definite managed leave impression with correspondents he somehow responsible and that he discussed matter with me. I have refused to admit to correspondents he even mentioned matter to me.
It also now seems probable CHICOMS are going to move fast and early on civilians as they are playing for big game.
While they today accepted “in principle” my proposal for private character meetings it was not possible for me refuse agree tell press they had told me about release fliers or that we agreed on agenda which was simply repetition July 25 public statement by two governments although their purpose of showing great progress was clear.
I am going to have continuous difficulty on private nature meetings but will fight this to best my ability. For example they may quickly agree whatever proposal I make on representation under my present instructions and then wish make immediate announcement. I will in accordance my instructions of course stall until I can consult Dept on any announcement this kind but they are going do all possible make stalling difficult.
On such matters as their informing me release individual [Facsimile Page 2] Americans believe I must immediately release information here as they will certainly do so one way or another.
While release fliers enables me maintain position can be no discussion “other practical matters” until CHICOMS agree release all civilians I feel we are very shortly going to be at this point. In addition to points specifically mentioned my instructions I intend take up under this heading 461 military personnel missing from Korean War and still unaccounted for through MAC as well as 11 Navy and Coast Guard personnel missing off Swatow.
However I may shortly be reaching point where I will have to introduce “renunciation of force” by CPR and will desire make very careful presentation this subject. We will prepare draft here for Dept’s approval but in meanwhile would welcome any suggestions Dept may have.
- Source: Department of State, Central Files, 611.93/8–155. Secret.↩