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

805. Telegram 1181 to Geneva¹

Washington, May 11, 1957

1181. For Johnson.

Guidance for May 15 meeting.

1. Concentrate on continued failure Chinese Communists implement Agreed Announcement. There is no justification whatsoever for Communists to continue hold eight Americans twenty months after they promised to take measures permit them expeditiously exercise right to return. So long as promised action not taken, result can only be to deepen distrust Peiping’s pledges and render sterile present talks.

2. As further instance Communist retrogression on implementation cite Communist abandonment any pretense considering humanitarian factor, as exemplified by continued imprisonment Father Wagner, who reported seriously ill.

3. If Wang attacks MATADOR, deployment, review entirely defensive nature our collective security arrangements with GRC and point out MATADOR being sent Taiwan by agreement with GRC as part these security arrangements. Defensive measures obviously required in situation where Communists continue pose threat of hostile action and continue reject meaningful renunciation of force.

4. Maintain position other issues.

5. Set July date for next meeting.

Dulles

1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 611.93/5–1157. Confidential; Limit Distribution. Drafted by Clough and Osborn; cleared in draft by Jones (FE). The time of transmission is illegible.