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

850. Telegram 557 to Geneva¹

Washington, December 10, 1957, 4:44 p.m.

557. For Johnson.

Guidance for December 12 meeting:

1. Express dissatisfaction Chinese Communist continued failure permit return civilians desiring to do so. This question could have been settled in first week or even first day of talks by simple word and act their part. Should have been settled finally on September 10, 1955 when they agreed take measures permit Americans expeditiously exercise right to return. Yet six Americans remain in jail Communist China, 824 days later.

2. With regard question accounting for US military personnel missing unaccounted for from Korean hostilities, remind Wang he said at last meeting did not feel it necessary reply that question that morning. There been 50 meetings since question raised in talks. Surely on one those mornings he could have offered request his authorities investigate matter and furnish information.

3. On renunciation force, most fundamental practical matter at issue, Chinese Communist attitude past year and half been one of unwillingness even discuss seriously.

4. If Wang raises matter visits by relatives, state United States decided issue passports for such visits in view prolonged tragic separation six men from families and messages received by family members from Chinese Communist Red Cross inviting them to make trip. Decision whether or not apply for passports for such purpose up to individuals concerned. Number if any of persons who will apply not known. Any applying will be advised contact Chinese Communist Red Cross. If Wang seeks reciprocity agreement, reject and point out US not preventing any Chinese from departing US. If Wang refers to Chinese in jail in US remind him our earlier offer permit all return who desired and allow Indian Embassy confirm their wishes. Inform Wang that if Chinese Communists truly interested in reciprocity they should show reciprocity by removing all obstacles to departure remaining detained Americans as US did prior to August 1, 1955 regarding Chinese in US.

5. If Wang proposes agreement on mutual judicial assistance in connection projected visit Communist China by defense counsel in Powell-Schumann case, advise him such agreement impossible and unnecessary. If Chinese Communists choose withhold cooperation with defense counsel in collection evidence for defense Powell-Schumann, this their own responsibility. US Government has no responsibility this regard.

6. With reference arrangements for succeeding meetings, follow previous guidance (Department’s 199 to Prague and also 556 to Geneva).

Dulles

1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 611.93/12–1057. Confidential; Limit Distribution. Drafted by Clough; cleared by Robertson, the substance of paragraph 5 by Becker (L), and in draft by Dulles.