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

846. Telegram 199 to Prague¹

Washington, December 4, 1957, 4:06 p.m.

199. For Ambassador. Partial guidance for December 12 meeting:

1. Inform Wang you being transferred. State US desires continue talks Geneva and will designate Martin represent US. FYI You would not ask Wang designate another representative but we assume he would not wish continue himself under these circumstances and representative of appropriate rank would be appointed. END FYI

2. If Wang accepts you should propose limiting press announcement following meeting to usual statement of date next meeting. If Wang insists, announcement may also state “for administrative reasons” next meeting to be held between Martin and Chinese Communist representative. You may tell Wang you desire delay public announcement impending transfer until new appointment officially confirmed.

3. If Wang states requires instructions before replying you should inform him reply should be addressed Martin at Geneva who will be empowered agree on date and public announcement regarding next meeting.

4. If Wang refuses continue talks on proposed basis, insisting on ambassadorial level, inform him we remain ready continue talks but cannot designate ambassador for this purpose this time. You should maintain this position even in unlikely event Wang threatens break. If Wang suggests alternative basis for continuing talks, you may inform him suggestion will be reported Department but that for number compelling reasons only feasible basis at this time is one proposed by you. FYI Department believes it unlikely Chinese Communists will break off talks, especially in view Chou’s recent statement to foreign chiefs mission Peiping they ready continue talking ten or twenty years if necessary. In give and take you should be careful retain freedom action for US to propose restoring talks to ambassadorial level at some future time when this might be desirable END FYI.

5. Your announcement of change in US representation in talks should follow strong statement of US disappointment at Chinese Communist failure to live up to public commitment release all jailed Americans and their failure renounce force so that Wang will perceive connection between our disappointment at meager results of talks and our unwillingness to continue at ambassadorial level.

Dulles

1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 611.93/12–457. Confidential; Limit Distribution. Drafted by Osborn and Clough; cleared by Jones. Also sent to Geneva for Ambassdor Johnson as telegram 546 and repeated to London for Martin as telegram 4085.