396.1 GE/6–2154: Telegram
No. 220
The Head of the United States
Delegation at the Geneva Conference (Johnson) to the Department of State1
niact
Secto 493. Following is summary meeting Johnson with Wang Ping-nan held this morning at Palais des Nations:
Johnson opened with statement along lines numbered points Secto 475.2 Gave Wang names 15 Chinese students now found eligible depart under US laws and regulations.3 Stated following as policy US Government with respect departure Chinese and other aliens from US: “Any alien in the US is entirely free to depart for any destination of his choice in accordance with the laws of the US and pertinent regulations governing departure of aliens”.
Said this statement would be included in USDel press release. Again urged Communists take action expedite release detained Maye [Americans].
Wang expressed gratification a part of Chinese students able return and hoped that number would not be limited to those named by Johnson today. Requested Johnson furnish list of 120 who had previously asked permission depart. Johnson replied this impracticable but would furnish names those who may be granted permission depart as become available.
Wang then gave following results “preliminary” investigation our list detained Americans: Of 32 civilians listed in prison said John B. Maye never under arrest and now living in Changsha, Hunan; William L. Winter had been arrested “for crimes committed” but died February 27, 1951 in Kwangtung. Remaining 30 on list still in prison. Cases 3 priests listed under house arrest at Foochow under investigation. As to 19 persons listed awaiting exit permits, Mr. and Mrs. Christian sailed from Shanghai June 18; Mrs. Huizer is Dutch citizen; Mr. and Mrs. Howard L. Ricks withdrew applications for exits of their own will in 1952; assume Mrs. Nadeshda Romanoff and Irene Romanoff are Mrs. N. Romanova and daughter residing Harbin.
If so, no record they have applied exit permit. Of 18 listed US Air Force personnel, following, all members Colonel Arnold’s crew, died in attempting parachute over Antung: Paul E. Van Vorhiss, [Page 478] Henry D. Weese, and Alvin D. Hart. Remaining 15 serving prison sentences. 11 Navy and Coast Guard personnel listed never captured by Communists. Two planes crashed into sea 10 nautical miles from Kwangtung coast and Communists have no information as to fate of crews.
Wang said cases all detained Americans under examination and “can be properly settled” in light of progress of discussions here. Communists will inform us when they have further information these cases.
Wang again raised subject joint communiqué and handed Johnson proposed draft. Substance communiqué was that each side had indicated its “government” will respect right “law abiding” nationals and students of other side residing its territory leave for own country.
Johnson reiterated our doubt ability two sides agree any joint statement. Pointed out this statement on US policy covered substantially same ground and it would be released to press. Communists perfectly free issue own statement to press.
Wang proposed making joint communiqué part of “common record” of meeting in order indicated “mutual understanding” this subject reached both sides. Johnson pointed out whatever was said or proposed in meeting became part of record of meeting. He had nothing further to say on proposed communiqué. Wang read prepared statement expressing regret we had not agreed issue joint communiqué or make it part of record.
Wang then raised entirely new subject. Said that in 1950 US Government asked UK to take charge American interests in China, but conditions at that time made this impossible. Now, however, PRC ready consider this on mutual basis. Suggested that US might ask diplomatic mission in China of third country having diplomatic relations with both Peiping and Washington take charge American interests in China. PRC would in like manner request third country having diplomatic relations both parties take charge interests Chinese nationals and students in US.
In reply Johnson stated Wang had raised subject beyond scope these discussions which he not prepared discuss. Johnson then indicated his belief further discussions between himself and Wang no longer necessary. We had reached point now where it was simply matter of exchanging information as to progress of investigations respective cases and reporting what action being taken. Suggested staff officers might be designated by each side for purpose passing on information.
As to future, when conference over, said if any cases still pending or new cases arose we could inform Communists through [Page 479] Mr. Trevelyan and they could do same with respect cases involving Americans in China.
Wang made no reply re Trevelyan, but he agreed each side appoint staff officers to continue contacts here. Comments follow.