Foreign Relations of the United States, 1955–1957, Volume III, China, Microfiche Supplement

379. Telegram 1281 to Geneva¹

Washington, November 19, 1955, 2:51 p.m.

1281. For Johnson.

Guidance for November 23 meeting.

1. Implementation. Acknowledge release three American prisoners, but emphasize 14 remain and we continue to be concerned over PRC’s failure carry out commitment permit them expeditiously return. Inform Wang we also concerned over fact British Charge still unable perform his functions with respect these prisoners. Thirteen of fourteen still have not written Charge and since PRC has special responsibility provide facilities for prisoners’ communication, if they have not written can only be assumed they prevented from writing. It is obviously absurd to imagine any person confined in prison would not seek to take full advantage Charge’s efforts to remove impediments to freedom if given opportunity. (We believe this point should be made for the record.)
Requirement that Charge interview Americans only in accordance rules for relatives is arbitrary and unreasonable. It is obvious attempt defeat purpose of Agreed Announcement. No restrictions whatsoever on freedom of Chinese in US to communicate with Indians nor freedom of Indians to interview Chinese who appeal to them accordance Agreed Announcement. US cannot accept contention of PRC Vice Minister that question of encountering obstruction in leaving country does not arise in case imprisoned Americans. (Deptel 1248) Imprisonment is self-evident and incontrovertible form of obstruction to departure. Since more than two months have passed since PRC pledged Americans could expeditiously return, it is apparent they encountering obstruction in leaving.
FYI O’Neill being asked make above points in Peiping. Use of preceding paragraph subject to British concurrence which we hope to have not later than November 22. END FYI.

2. Renunciation of Force. Continue emphasize, as in paragraphs 39 and 40 your 1200, that Wang has agreed with you that differences in policy should not lead to war and that statement should be made by both sides renouncing use of force. Department considers argumentation your 1200 admirable and believes you should hold to same general line.

3. Department puzzled by Wang’s failure to bring up embargo last meeting. Would like your views as to reason.

4. Important keep meetings at least week apart.

Dulles

1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 611.93/11–1955. Secret; Priority; Limit Distribution. Drafted by Clough; cleared by Sebald, Phleger in substance, and McConaughy.