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

825. Telegram 244 to Geneva¹

Washington, September 10, 1957, 11:34 a.m.

244. For Johnson.

Guidance for September 12 meeting:

1. State that reciprocal renunciation force applicable to Taiwan area fully as essential today as when talks began two years ago. Refusal Chinese Communists renounce force and terminate their military threat in Taiwan area is fundamental obstacle to lasting peace.

2. Failure release remaining six Americans as required by Agreed Announcement continues constitute standing indictment Chinese Communists for not honoring public commitment. Again call attention Wang’s gross distortion of record at last meeting in attempting distinguish between QUOTE ordinary Americans UNQUOTE and QUOTE criminal offenders UNQUOTE. Incontrovertible meaning of plain language Agreed Announcement is that all Americans have right leave Communist China expeditiously. No distinction stated or implied between Americans in prison and those out. Wang has in past admitted Announcement applied prisoners, who were only Americans under discussion when Announcement agreed on. Attempted previously without foundation assert term QUOTE expeditious UNQUOTE as applied prisoners had to be interpreted in light seriousness offense, behavior, etc. Now apparent even Wang unable any longer stretch term QUOTE expeditious UNQUOTE to encompass delay over two years, hence he attempting further distort Announcement.

3. If Wang raises question reciprocity re newsmen, remind him this reversal his position year ago when he stressed Chinese Communist invitation US newsmen not conditioned on reciprocal US action. If they now desire exclude American correspondents, that entirely matter their choice. If Wang requests assurances US will admit specific group of Chinese Communist newsmen or other exchange arrangement, advise him applications individuals will be accepted at any American Foreign Service post end considered on merits, like any other application.

4. If Wang mentions Hu Teh-yun and his alleged stomach complaint, tell him careful check of records at places Hu detained during four days prior deportation reveal no medical difficulty or complaint his part. Any illness which developed during voyage would have been treated by ship’s medical staff on same basis as that any other passenger.

Dulles

1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 611.93/9–1057. Confidential; Priority; Limit Distribution. Drafted by Osborn and Clough; cleared in draft by Robertson and Jones.