Office of the Historian

396.1 GE/6–1954: Telegram

No. 219
The Under Secretary of State (Smith) to the Department of State

confidential
niact
Geneva, June 19, 1954—3 p.m.

Secto 475. Reference Secto 468.1Wang Ping-nan has informed Ronning, Canadian delegate, squadron leader Mackenzie of RCAF being held with American flyers, is alive and well and would be released. Timing his release depended in part on current negotiations with Americans. Wang indicated this connection Communists hoped Americans could make some statement that Chinese in United States free return home.

Apparently Ronning impression that Communists want American gesture re detained Chinese and if such forthcoming will probably take action on release flyers.

In order make most our decision release detained Chinese (Tosec 436)2 we propose in next meeting do following:

1.
Inform Communists we have already made preliminary survey current desires 120 detained Chinese and have learned approximately one-half no longer wish leave United States.
2.
Cases all those who have indicated still wish leave being urgently reviewed on basis applicable laws and regulations in light current situation.
3.
Reviews number such cases already completed, and in every case have decided grant exit permits (will supply names if received).
4.
As soon as decisions made on balance cases, will inform Communists of results.
5.
Will tell Communists our policy is any Chinese in United States entirely free depart for any destination his choice in accordance United States laws and regulations.
6.
To counter Communists proposal for joint statement, will say we will include our statement (5 above) in our own press release after meeting.
7.
Will again urge Communists take action our lists detained Americans.

Smith
  1. Secto 468 from Geneva, June 18, reported that Johnson’s next meeting with Wang had been postponed until June 21. (396.1 GE/6–1854)↩
  2. Supra.↩