851. Telegram 506 from Geneva1
506. From Johnson. Re Deptel 557, Dec 10.
In absence of guidance to contrary I propose to handle press matters as follows:
In most likely event no agreement reached on next meeting, I will, preferably in agreement with Wang, inform press that announcement concerning next meeting will subsequently be made, that as I expect transfer from Prague I will not further participate in talks, and US has accordingly made proposal to Wang for conduct of future talks on which we awaiting PRC reply. Would point out that accordance agreement on confidential nature talks cannot give substance our proposal. In event agreement reached on next meeting with Martin as pointed out my reply from Prague to Deptel 546 it not rpt not possible for me propose to Wang “usual statement” to effect that two of us will again meet as this clearly not true. Therefore would propose announcement along lines second sentence para two Deptel 546 informally confirming to press after meeting that I will not again be meeting here because I expect transfer from Prague.
In event Wang issues public statement accusing US of attempting break off meetings or other such charges will promptly reply with statement of facts consulting Dept as seems desirable and leaving to Dept issuance of any extended reply.
In any above contingencies I will, of course, confine myself to statement I expect be leaving Prague without making any reference to possibility Bangkok appointment.
- Source: Department of State, Central Files, 611.93/12–1157. Confidential; Niact; Limit Distribution.↩