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

80. Telegram 458 from Geneva¹

Geneva, August 13, 1955, 9 p.m.

458. From Johnson. Re Mytel 457.

Propose hand Wang following draft text “agreed announcement” next meeting (to be released following Wang’s unilateral announcement results “review” cases detained Americans promised today):

“Ambassadors of USA and PRC have agreed to announce the measures which their respective governments have adopted with respect to return of nationals of each located in country of other. With respect to Chinese nationals residing in US, Ambassador Johnson on behalf of US Government has informed Ambassador Wang that:

“1. USA recognizes that Chinese nationals in US who desire return to PRC are entitled do so and declares that no Chinese national who desires depart US for PRC is being prevented from doing so. This includes all those Chinese nationals who were at one time prevented from departing US.

“2. Embassy of Republic of India in US will be authorized assist return to PRC of those Chinese nationals who desire to do so as follows:

“(A) If a Chinese national believes that contrary to declared policy of US he is encountering official obstruction in departure he may so inform Indian Embassy and Indian Embassy will, if it deems such complaint valid and if desired by PRC, intervene on such national’s behalf with Government of US.

“(B) If a Chinese national in US who desires to return to PRC has difficulty paying return journey, Indian Embassy may render him financial assistance needed to permit his return.

“3. Government of US will give wide publicity to foregoing arrangements and Embassy of India in US may also do so.

With respect to American nationals residing in PRC, Ambassador Wang has informed Ambassador Johnson on behalf of PRC that:

“1. PRC recognizes that American nationals in PRC who desire return to US are entitled to do so and declares that no American national who desires to depart PRC for US is being prevented from doing so. This includes all those American nationals who were at one time prevented from departing PRC.

“2. Embassy of UK in PRC will be authorized to assist return to US of those American nationals who desire to do so as follows:

“(A) If an American national believes that contrary to declared policy of PRC he is encountering official obstruction in departure he may so inform UK Embassy and UK Embassy will, if it deems such complaint valid and if desired by US, intervene on such national’s behalf with Government of PRC.

“(B) If an American national in PRC who desires return to US has difficulty paying return journey, UK Embassy may render him financial assistance needed to permit his return.

“3. Government of PRC will give wide publicity to foregoing arrangements and Embassy of UK in PRC may also do so.”

Since Wang will almost certainly reject foregoing statement on grounds that his government is not yet prepared state that all Americans, including those who have been detained, are free to leave, I would like to be in position to agree to substitute paragraph one somewhat along following lines:

Begin quote

PRC recognizes that American nationals in PRC who desire return to US are entitled do so and declares that aside from those American nationals previously prevented from leaving PRC whose release has just been announced PRC has undertaken speedily review cases all remaining Americans whose departure being prevented by reason of imprisonment or otherwise and promptly settle these cases in spirit of foregoing declaration of policy.

End quote

In anticipated event that agreement on representation reached without assurance all Americans are being released, I would also propose following announcement be released to press here:

Begin quote

In view of fact that Ambassador Wang has informed Ambassador Johnson that ___ Americans, review of whose cases completed, are being permitted depart for US and that his government is proceeding expeditiously with review of cases of remaining Americans detained, two Ambassadors have agreed suspend for time being further discussion of agenda item one pending completion of review these cases by PRC and will at their next meeting proceed to discussion agenda item two. It is understood that discussions of agenda item one may be resumed upon initiative of either Ambassador.

End quote

With reference para 4 Deptel 428 [478] I had always assumed we could not and would not agree blanket return any Chinese whatever crime he may have committed. I have been taking maximum advantage fact as far as we know or CHICOMS have alleged no Chinese desiring return now under arrest. Believe I have thus far been successful in avoiding issue what we would do this event. Above draft attempts focus on practical situation rather than raising this still theoretical issue. However if we can and are willing assure departure even for limited period of any Chinese regardless crime he may have committed would appreciate being informed. Not sure this would strengthen my bargaining position but would like to be in position use if it seems desirable.

Gowen

1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 611.93/8–1355. Secret; Priority; Limit Distribution.