38. Telegram From Ambassador U. Alexis Johnson to the Department of State1
586. At 10th meeting this morning lasting 25 minutes I presented text contained Deptel 599.2
Presenting draft I noted that contained most language Wang’s August 18th draft,3 called attention to use of “Government of India”, difference in wording between paragraphs one of two sections made necessary by difference in situation and their failure meet our position, and particularly pointed out that word “promptly” in first paragraph Chinese declaration. Said must be firm definition this word, need not be written into announcement but could be in form oral understanding. Did not want to labor ground we had previously covered but wanted to make it perfectly clear without any possibility misunderstanding US Government cannot accept any arrangement under which it would be possible for release any Americans be indefinitely delayed. Must know all will be able leave within reasonable time. Requested he inform his government that US considers this vital. This draft went as far as I thought we could go in meeting his point of view.
Wang stated desired reserve comment my draft until next meeting but offhand did not see reason for difference of wording of two paragraphs one. Then repeated in summary form previous statements that “could not possibly accept time limit as this would amount to submitting to coercion.” Also repeated number immediately to be released “not small” and cases remaining could be considered “favorably, quickly and easily because of factors of attitude prisoners, fact of our agreement and improvement in relations”.
I made no detailed reply but expressed hope he would send draft to his government for most careful study as was very important.
Wang suggested and I accepted next meeting Thursday, 10 am.
- Source: Department of State, Central Files, 611.93/8–2355. Confidential; Niact.↩
Document 34. Johnson reported in telegram 594 from Geneva, August 23, which conveyed his comments on the meeting, that the text given Wang had differed from that sent to him in telegram 599 only as follows:
- “(a) Phrase ‘and the Government UK may also do so’ restored in order avoid wording Wang could object to as ‘unequal’.
- “(b) Word ‘residing’ deleted accordance Deptel 602.
- “(c) Full names of Ambassadors given in paragraph 2.
- “(d) Phrase ‘make investigation of in paragraph 2 (a) both sections changed to ‘investigate’.” (Department of State, Central Files, 611.93/8–2355)
For telegram 602, see Document 35.
↩- See Document 27.↩