Office of the Historian

675. Telegram 20 from Geneva1

Geneva, July 10, 1956, noon
[Facsimile Page 1]

20. From Johnson.

1.
One hour fifteen minutes meeting today. I opened with prepared statement emphasizing mutuality my April 19 draft and charging him with “haggling and bargaining” over Taiwan area reference by establishing preconditions for its inclusion. Ended with hope that we could at least move in direction April 19 draft.
2.
He replied with prepared statement along lines Chou En Lai’s remarks on talks in People’s Congress speech with emphasis on stalling charges. “Any announcement must be capable relaxation and elimination tension Taiwan area instead of perpetuating status quo US occupation.” Aim of US has always been secure announcement advantageous solely to US and failing such attempt indefinitely drag out these talks. Cannot agree these talks being used as “tool” by one party, continuation must be advantageous both sides.
3.
During give and take I kept coming back to April 19 draft, pointing out mutual advantage as first step peaceful resolution and renewing charge they unwilling make unconditional renunciation force as first step.
4.
Wang replied that it did not appear positions two sides likely come closer together on renunciation declaration, and therefore unless at next meeting I had [Facsimile Page 2] new constructive proposal he suggested talks take up discussion other agenda two item, that is trade embargo.
5.
I made no direct reply to his suggestion but pointed out inference his government was rejecting unconditional renunciation of force and while I discouraged at their attitude felt issues too important for despair and still hopeful his government would adopt this generally acceptable principle international conduct. If it persists in maintaining its threat initiate force Taiwan area hard be optimistic peaceful settlement our disputes.
6.
He attempted avoid any discussion implementation, and I took initiative making brief statement noting Fathers Clifford and Phillips permitted leave only after completion full term sentences and making points para one Deptel 11. Wang closed off subject by general statement was US rather than PRC interfering with Indian Embassy.
7.
He proposed next meeting July 24 but readily accepted my counterproposal for Thursday July 26.
Gowen
  1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 611.93/7–1056. Confidential; Priority; Limit Distribution.↩