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

396.1 GE/7–1654: Telegram

No. 232
The Head of the United States Delegation at the Geneva Conference (Johnson) to the Department of State¹

confidential
niact

Geneva, July 16, 1954—7 p.m.

Secto 624. Comments first staff level meeting on Americans in China (Secto 623).²

1. Communists engaged in no abuse or polemics and made no reference to our previous rejection their suggestions re joint communiqué, joint record and third party representation. Also registered no complaint we called meeting without definite news on students. Gave no evidence of discontent with staff level arrangement. Meeting was courteous, but relaxed, atmosphere informal but with seriousness appropriate to subject.

2. Fact Communists had no news on Americans not surprising since they would be expected to call meeting if had anything to say. Impossible determine why Communists have no news yet. Could still be due necessary procedural delay, especially in view indication Communists may be communicating with Peiping by mail (Secto despatch 7 paragraph 4).³ On other hand may well be due intransigence arising from their failure make significant political capital from protracted high level talks and joint pronouncements. Whatever the cause, both Jenkins and Ekvall thought they detected slight evidence discomfort or embarrassment on Pu’s part when he had to admit had no information whatever at fifth meeting in six weeks.

3. Pu’s posture of pleasant reasonableness, while perhaps noteworthy especially in view his previously unsullied record of arrogance and vituperation in worst Communist tradition, may mean nothing more than Communist desire not to rock boat at crucial time of conference.

4. In view atmosphere of meeting and with eye to future, decided not to attempt inspire vitriolic press accounts with Geneva dateline at present time. Believe if accounts of such flavor originated in US would not necessarily have same possibly adverse effect on efforts here, but suggest they not be inspired at least until results next meeting known. This is close judgment, however, in view temptation play on Communist heightened sensitivity before end of conference which may be very near. If reliable press should show interest in reviewing full story to date written factually, but with deep concern, Department may wish cooperate by furnishing materials.

5. For fear relatives might be given idea some cases given greater emphasis than others and also might prompt endless questions from press possibly prejudicial our efforts, we did not give press names involved in revising list. Communists may do so, however.

6. From facial expression Pu appeared get implication of oblique question primarily intended elicit information re possibility other military personnel being in Communist hands. He did not address himself to this and for reasons previously stated, we did not return to it.

7. We did not act on London’s 257⁴ at this meeting believing Department would first wish consult with Treasury and carefully weigh possible effects of prolonging detention, even if somewhat alleviating plight, of Americans in view Communist avidity for even small amounts foreign exchange. Request instructions.

8. Now appears very possible Communists will not initiate meeting before July 20. If Department still intends on basis rule of law allow some 57 Chinese students depart regardless Communist performance with respect Americans, believe we should have list of some 12 for early use. Perhaps even Monday or Tuesday if pace of conference permits. It may prove propitious open both barrels through press next week if no Communist action by then, and second release students would point up our action based on legal procedures and is not outright swapping of hostages.

Johnson

1. Repeated for information to London, Hong Kong, and Taipei.
2. Secto 623 from Geneva, July 16, reported that Jenkins had met that day with Pu Shan, a secretary to the Chinese Delegation. At that meeting Jenkins had given Pu a revised list of the Americans detained in Communist China and had said that he hoped to have further word concerning the Chinese students in the United States “before too long.” (396.1 GE/7–1654)
3. Not printed.
4. Telegram 257 from London, July 14, reported a British suggestion that Jenkins ask the Chinese if money could be sent through the Chinese Red Cross for local purchases by the imprisoned Americans. (396.1 GE/7–1454)