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

745. Telegram 531 to Geneva¹

Washington, November 13, 1956, 6:50 p.m.

531. For Johnson.

Guidance for November 15 meeting.

1. Press further your attack of last meeting on Communist failure carry out Agreed Announcement. Using McCarthy case as illustration, point out how Communists have not only failed carry out basic commitment release Americans expeditiously, but are balking at supplementary provisions of Agreed Announcement extending rights to third power. FYI We consider McCarthy case represents major weakness in Communist position which you should exploit to maximum. O’Neill could not get appointment with Peiping Vice Minister Foreign Affairs and therefore embodied in letter delivered last week points made our Aide Memoire October 22, with exception last sentence numbered subparagraph 2 which he is holding for later use. You need not restrict your presentation to points made by O’Neill and may include latter point also if you consider desirable. We have withheld for time being public statement on McCarthy case because developments in Egypt and Eastern Europe would cause such statement receive little attention from world press. END FYI

2. If Wang should press you on question Chinese prisoners in US, you may inform him of Red Cross survey and fact that James Lew, only Chinese convict choosing go to Communist China, sailed October 29. Do not mention unless Wang presses. FYI We do not contemplate public statement on prisoner survey until issue of 2 prisoners desiring deportation to Taiwan (Deptel 407 to Taipei repeated Geneva 529) is resolved, unless developments should make earlier statement desirable. END FYI

3. Reject Communist demand for Foreign Ministers Conference in same manner as last meeting, emphasizing Communist responsibility for failure make progress present talks. Hold to previous positions on renunciation of force, trade and cultural exchange.

4. Reserve missing military personnel item for presentation later meeting.

5. Contingency statement transmitted with your letter October 17 has been revised in Department. It is being telegraphed separately for your use in event Wang refuses meet again. Separate statement would be issued here.

Hoover

1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 611.93/11–1356. Secret; Priority; Limit Distribution. Drafted by Clough and McConaughy; cleared in draft by Phleger and Sebald.