Foreign Relations of the United States, 1952–1954, China and Japan, Volume XIV, Part 1

396.1 GE/5–3054: Telegram

No. 203
The Under Secretary of State (Smith) to the Department of State

confidential

Geneva, May 30, 1954—11 a.m.

Secto 350. Reference Tosec 299.¹ Tosec 284² apparently crossed Secto 330.³ Present situation is no date yet agreed for meeting described Secto 330 and none will be set pending further instructions from Department. Discussed situation yesterday morning with Trevelyan in light Tosecs 284 and 299. Asked Trevelyan whether he could continue in role intermediary at Geneva. He replied in negative. He pointed out he, himself, had felt he should take matter somewhat further before considering direct negotiations between Chinese Communists and ourselves and specifically suggested this to Huan Hsiang who made clear further efforts by Trevelyan would be pointless.

As do not yet see possibility any other intermediary, choice now lies between abandoning efforts at Geneva obtain release Americans and proceeding with arrangements for at least one meeting US representatives in company Trevelyan with Chinese Communists. We fully recognize drawbacks holding meeting this sort but believe obvious humanitarian considerations involved and non-political nature subject would limit extent to which such meeting could be played as step towards recognition. Also if deemed desirable statement could be issued press after meeting specifically denying implications recognition.

In deciding question proceeding with direct negotiations believe following considerations are pertinent:

1. Result Huang Hua’s special press conference (Secto 315)⁴ press attention is focused question our willingness discuss this subject directly with Communists. Communists will make most their expressed willingness discuss subject with us, and if we refuse, will claim responsibility for lack of action on imprisoned Americans ours.

2. British feel if we willing discuss subject with Chinese Communists here will facilitate future efforts behalf Americans by Trevelvan in Peiping; contrary-wise refusal to meet here will probably prejudice Trevelyan’s efforts Peiping.

3. Official acknowledgment by Communists they holding US civilian and military prisoners seems indicate they ready for first time negotiate subject. But they have indicated both to Trevelyan and through public statements conditions for negotiations are our willingness (a) hold direct discussions and (b) discuss also Chinese detained in US. Unless we hold at least one meeting with them and discuss question, Chinese in US as well as Americans in China, we will have no way knowing whether real opportunity exists obtain release substantial proportion Americans in China.

If Department authorizes direct negotiations, there remain questions of level of US representation and of timing of negotiations. As to first question, Trevelyan informed us yesterday morning Communists desire have names and ranks of US participants in proposed meeting. Communists will be careful their participants not higher ranking than US representatives. Trevelyan expressed opinion little value in meeting if Communist participants below rank “Department heads” who report directly Chou here. In view previous experience, Chinese Communists’ obsession with “equal footing”, we concur Trevelyan’s estimate Communists would not consent meeting of Department head with Martin.

Question level of US representation poses dilemma that higher the rank US representative, the better chance for obtaining action on detained Americans, while lower the rank, the better for us from political standpoint. Disadvantage of lower ranking representative not only that he would deal with low ranking Communist representative without authority, but also psychological reaction Communists would be adverse, lessening chances their taking approach seriously. Other hand high ranking representative would provide Communists with better opportunity for political exploitation of contact.

On balance we believe Robertson accompanied by Martin should represent US, insisting that Chinese representative be Chang Wentien, number two man Chinese delegation, Vice Minister and Ambassador to Moscow.

As to timing, believe meeting should take place as soon as possible, but stress again desirability consultation key members Congress in order reasons for, and purpose of, meeting fully understood in advance. This connection Trevelyan, whose presence at meeting we consider highly desirable view his responsibilities Peiping, anxious leave Geneva end of week for return his post.

We have specifically requested Trevelyan be present any meeting and he stated he is willing but will mention to Chinese at time meeting is arranged will not attend if Chinese object.

Request instruction soonest following Secretary’s return.

Smith

1. Tosec 299 to Geneva, May 29, instructed the delegation that Martin and Stelle should not meet with the Chinese but that Trevelyan should be urged to make a maximum independent effort on behalf of the detained Americans. (396.1 GE/52954)
2. Document 200.
3. Document 201.
4. See footnote 2, Document 199.