396.1 GE/6–2954: Telegram
No. 227
The Secretary of
State to the United States
Delegation at the Geneva Conference
Tosec 509. Secto 543.1 Steps 1 to 6 approved.
Re post-Geneva arrangements you should continue refuse discuss question representation Chinese in US with Communists. Suggest you reiterate that we will continue make inquiries re status any pending cases detained Americans through Trevelyan and indicate Communists could use same channel for inquiries re cases Chinese refused permission leave US for Communist China. Inquiries by Chinese Communists can be answered only if they pertain directly to those Chinese in US who have signified intention departing for territory controlled by Communist regime; other questions pertaining Chinese in US not subject inquiry by Peiping either during or after Geneva Conference.
If Communists reject Trevelyan as channel communication you should not make any other proposal. While Dept willing consider Swiss or Swedes as alternatives doubt that this would solve problem as Communist refusal deal with Trevelyan would probably stem from their objection dealing with third country representative in Peiping while we unwilling reciprocate rather than to British representative per se. Dept not willing consider any arrangement giving Peiping third country representation in US even for limited purpose exchange information on detained Americans. Also objects our proposing British handle two-way communication London as likely provoke Communist counter our Embassy there deal directly with Peiping’s.
While Dept agrees next move up to Communists you might consider feasibility prodding them e.g. might inform them Jenkins appointed for “staff officer” contact and inquire their action and/or selected US correspondents could be asked question Communists at press conference what action being taken on detained Americans.
Planning inform you as students mentioned Tosec 4432 actually depart US.