348. Telegram 1143 to Geneva1
1143. For Johnson.
Daily Worker story referred to our 1142 is Communists’ most flagrant violation to date of agreement that substance of talks will not be revealed without prior agreement or notification. Obvious purpose is to take initiative this subject away from US. You should promptly deliver strong written protest to Wang. You may wish mention numerous earlier violations agreement by leaks to NCNA correspondent which we refrained from protesting in interest progress talks, but this last leak too glaring to overlook. Matter should be taken up with Wang at November 10 meeting, but protest should be delivered soonest to show Wang how seriously we regard his breach and forestall if possible further Communist efforts publicly exploit this subject prior next meeting.
Department neither confirming nor denying Wang has proposed joint declaration renouncing use of force.
Repeat to Secretary.
- Source: Department of State, Central Files, 611.93/11–755. Secret; Priority; Limit Distribution. Drafted by Clough; cleared by McConaughy and Sebald.↩