396.1 GE/6–2154: Telegram
No. 221
The Head of the United States
Delegation at the Geneva Conference (Johnson) to the Department of State1
confidential
niact
niact
Geneva, June 21, 1954.
Secto 494. While we deliberately refrained giving detailed information to press with respect to dead and missing Americans, Communists have done so. In our press release2 we merely stated Communists have given some information re detained Americans which would be communicated to relatives by appropriate US Government agencies.
- 2.
- As result today’s meeting we at least know who Communists are holding in various categories. Fact they refrained from indicating what sentences passed, et cetera, but said cases could be settled in light discussions here encourages us believe they maintaining flexibility to permit early release some Americans.
- 3.
- Communist reaction our policy statement and decision release 15 students previously detained appeared favorable. They repeated my statement five times in post-meeting press conference. Believe we have done all we can and next move up to them. Suggest further names of releasees be withheld from Communists pending concrete information as to Communist intentions re release detained Americans.
- 4.
- We have endeavored both in meetings and press releases avoid implications arbitrary detention Chinese exchange of prisoners emphasizing Chinese students detained accordance pertinent regulations and cases being examined this basis. Unfortunately press reports used word “agree” to release Chinese students in general context we negotiating exchange prisoners.
- 5.
- Though we had decided before meeting propose end Johnson–Wang discussions, Communist proposal re appointment protecting [Page 480] powers gave further impetus our decision to put end to contact on this level. Further discussions this level would only encourage Communist delay action release Americans in hope political advantage.
- 6.
- Communist press briefing gave full factual account meeting including proposal on representation interests and my statement latter point as beyond scope these talks. We made no mention representation interests proposal in our press release briefing and will reply any inquiries by confirming that I had replied was beyond scope these talks.
- 7.
- In “staff officer” meetings for exchange information believe desirable designate officer with detailed knowledge subject. Believe Alfred Jenkins, Office of Chinese Affairs, well qualified officer of appropriate level maintain this contact. Recommend he proceed Geneva as soon as possible following arrival Washington Wednesday afternoon of Martin who will be prepared give full briefing on present situation.
- 8.
- Have discussed today’s meeting with Trevelyan, who leaving for Peiping today. Trevelyan requested that Consul General Hong Kong pass on to Hong Kong Government political adviser any information re detained Americans received Geneva for relay British mission Peiping. We agreed.
Johnson