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

754. Telegram 587 to Geneva¹

Washington, November 27, 1956, 7:24 p.m.

587. For Johnson.

Guidance for November 30 meeting.

1. Continue press for Chinese Communist fulfillment their commitments in McCarthy case and those of other Americans. US Government rejects Chinese Communist contention that imprisoned Americans, the very persons on whose behalf we negotiated Agreed Announcement, can be excluded by Chinese Communists from provisions Agreed Announcement, which they are bound to observe. Neither can US Government accept Chinese Communist refusal permit British Charge exercise investigative functions prescribed under Agreed Announcement. Continued Chinese Communist violation of their pledged word can only force conclusion that their word cannot be relied on. (FYI In your presentation draw freely on exchange November 15 between British Charge and Peiping Foreign Office. Department has decided not repeat not issue press release on McCarthy case prior next meeting but you should hammer away on this flagrant case. END FYI)

2. You may refer as necessary to US action regarding Chinese prisoners in US. James Lew arrived Hongkong November 19 and presumably entered mainland along with group granted direct transit through Hongkong. (FYI GRC has agreed take two convicts opting for Taiwan and preparations their deportation under way. It would appear preferable make no mention these two as they might only becloud issue. We do not contemplate public statement at present on our offer to Chinese prisoners but will reply factually should press raise question. END FYI)

3. Hold to same positions on foreign ministers’ meeting, renunciation of force, trade and cultural exchange.

4. Reserve missing military personnel for later meeting.

Hoover

1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 611.93/11–2756. Secret; Priority; Limit Distribution. Drafted by Clough and McConaughy; cleared by Phleger in draft.