834. Telegram 347 from Geneva1
347. From Johnson.
One hour twenty minute meeting this morning with no new developments.
I opened with statement along lines paragraphs 1 and 2 Deptel 366. Wang’s reply was along familiar lines but with particular stress on “principles of equality, mutual benefit and reciprocity” and ended with correspondents which example of renewed U.S. violation of these principles. “PRC demands US subscribe to principle of equality and reciprocity.” In reply I stressed US interested in substance not words and that facts of performance under September 10 agreed announcement as witnessed by UK and India glaring example PRC failure carry out their principles. Then made point paragraph 3 Deptel 366.
During course rebuttal Wang made statement that PRC had never tried prohibit Chinese correspondents going to US and Chinese correspondents make own decisions this matter which I picked up to reply that then there is apparently no problem, no Chinese correspondents having applied to go to U.S., apparently none desire to do so. Pointed out American correspondents travel to most countries of world including Communist countries and correspondents from most of those countries travel to U.S. without any agreements between governments. If any of those governments asked agreement similar that asked by PRC, our answer would have to be same as to PRC. At this point Wang conferred with aide and said he had nothing further.
[Facsimile Page 2]I suggested next meeting November 7. Wang countered with November 14 and I accepted. Full report by pouch.
- Source: Department of State, Central Files, 611.93/10–1057. Confidential; Priority; Limit Distribution.↩