87. Telegram 361 to New Delhi1
361. Your 305 repeated Geneva 27.
You may inform Nehru, stressing information confidential unless and until agreement announced, that we understand Chinese Communists, if agreement on return of nationals reached at Geneva, intend designate India as their representative to assist Chinese in US who express wish to return to mainland. Assure Nehru US will welcome such designation if agreement on repatriation materializes and if Chinese Communists do in fact designate India. US will be glad facilitate discharge of Indian Embassy responsibilities under agreement.
FYI Question of third party representation being discussed Geneva. No disagreement either side regarding identity suggested third parties PAREN UK in case Americans, India in case Chinese PAREN. Delay in agreement has resulted primarily from Chinese Communist unwillingness so far match U.S. position of declaring categorically all other-side nationals free depart. This unwillingness in marked and disappointing contrast Chou En-lai’s July 30 statement QUOTE number American civilians in China is small and question can be easily settled UNQUOTE. At meeting [Facsimile Page 2] Geneva 16th will again attempt secure Chinese Communist agreement joint announcement this basis. On basis of proposal, third-country embassy would, in response complaint from returning national that he encountering obstruction to departure, be empowered investigate facts and intervene on such national’s behalf. Could also render financial assistance for travel as needed.
- Source: Department of State, Central Files, 611.93/8–1455. Secret; Priority. Repeated to Geneva for Johnson as telegram 513. Drafted by Osborn; cleared by Dulles, Allen (NEA), McConaughy, and Jones (SOA).↩