Office of the Historian

807. Telegram 1166 from Geneva1

Geneva, May 15, 1957, 1 p.m.
[Facsimile Page 1]

1166. From Johnson.

One hour and forty minute meeting this morning.

I opened meeting with statement on implementation along lines para one and two Deptel 1181. Wang replied along usual lines with detailed presentation case of Dr. Lin Lan Ying (spelling uncertain) who departed San Francisco President Wilson January 6, 1957. Was Sylvania Electric Employee. Alleged great pressure by FBI and INS, including at stop in Honolulu, persuading her not to return. On departure San Francisco thorough search including body search and taking from her all notebooks and $6,800 in travelers checks. Protested “rough handling” and asked for return personal property including notebooks and travelers checks.

[Typeset Page 1367]

Wang also made strong statement re stationing guided missiles Taiwan. Spoke of guided missiles being atomic weapons. Statement included “strong protest in name of his government” at this “act of aggression”, “hostile act and another serious provocation” proving falsity US professions peaceful intent. “US must be held responsible for all consequences this act aggression”. If US purpose is to achieve peaceful settlement good faith should be demonstrated by acts, etc. If US were not in military occupation of Taiwan reunion would have been realized long ago. China will never tolerate and certainly will liberate, etc. etc.

I replied along lines para three Deptel 1181 and Deptel 1193 [Facsimile Page 2] including reaffirmation lawful administration Taiwan by GRC, mutual defense treaty with GRC and that those who had no aggressive intent had nothing to fear.

With respect Dr. Lin pointed out she had, in fact, returned in contrast the eight Americans still in Chinese prisons and those who would never return because of death under mistreatment. Cited fact she had not contacted Indian Embassy if, in fact, she felt she was being obstructed. Also strongly made point agreed announcement thus far no advantage but rather disadvantage to US.

Interesting to note that in today’s meeting for first time Wang consistently used terminology “Geneva agreement” in referring agreed announcement and to “Geneva talks”.

Next meeting July 11.

Popper
  1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 611.93/5–1557. Confidential; Priority; Limit Distribution.↩