396.1 GE/7–2154: Telegram
No. 236
The Under Secretary of State
(Smith)
to the Department of State
niact
Secto 712. Re Secto 687.1 Jenkins met at Palais 10 a.m. today with Pu Shan at Commie initiative in 55-minute meeting with continued good atmosphere.
Pu opened by saying could now inform us that applications for exit permits by six Americans in China approved by concerned government quarters of “Chinese People’s Republic.” Read names and furnished list as follows:
Ernest Hotz, Reuben Lenzer, Linus Lombard, John Baker Maye, Lawrence Mullin, Alfred Peter Pattison. Said with reference other Americans according to list handed them last meeting cases still under examination government quarters concerned. Asked if we had any information concerning Chinese students in America.
Jenkins said first wished say we gratified to learn of release of six previously detained Americans now free return home. Said hoped for similar word soon regarding all other detained Americans. Said not yet received any further word review additional cases Chinese students but could say that all 15 on list previously handed them now notified they free to leave.
[Page 502]Pu then said Ambassador Johnson had said to Wang Ping-Nan on June 21 that “any Chinese in US is entirely free to depart for any destination of his choice.” They considered that “right” of Chinese nationals to leave US for own country should be observed speedily. Jenkins then pointed out Ambassador Johnson in this context had made specific reference “in accordance with the laws of the US and pertinent regulations governing departure of aliens.” Jenkins said review of cases continuing in light present circumstances, and they would be informed as soon as further information received.
Pu then referred to Wang’s proposal concerning third party representation “on basis equality and reciprocity” made by Wang to Ambassador Johnson June 21. Jenkins stated as had been previously observed Wang’s proposal was outside context on basis of which this series of meetings set up. Said he unable add anything on this subject to what had already been said.
When Pu indicated he had nothing further to say at this meeting Jenkins said perhaps in view of likelihood that Geneva conference being brought to speedy close two sides should agree on means by which information could continue to be exchanged relating to Americans in China and to those Chinese students who indicated desire go to territory under Chinese Commie control. Said he had not received definite word as to date of his departure from Geneva but in view circumstances felt question of future contact should be met. Then presented again proposal previously stated by Ambassador Johnson on continuing contact by two-way communication through Trevelyan in Peiping. Pu replied question raised by Jenkins was in fact same as that he had just raised and repeated third party representation idea, with emphasis on “principle of equality and reciprocity.” Said proposal had been made because they felt such arrangement would be beneficial to both sides. Jenkins said he had nothing to add to what Ambassador Johnson had said before on this question. Pu said (with apparent disappointment and seeming finality) had nothing more to say on subject.
When it appeared meeting would end without any further comment Jenkins suggested it might alternatively be possible exchange information on (two questions, stated same phraseology as above) at staff level through contact with a member of the US Consulate General staff in Geneva. Pu simply said had noted statement. Jenkins then said he assumed means of contact through interpreters could be used if desired in near future. Pu replied slowly “with regard to the suggestion you made, outside of what we have already suggested, both previously and today (interpreter first only said “previously” but was corrected by Pu) I have nothing to say for the moment”.
[Page 503]Jenkins then compared list of six Americans handed him with our records and confirmed identity and accurate spelling. Then asked if exit permits for these six included all members of immediate family who might be with them. Said for instance Mr. Pattison had child who was US citizen with him and Chinese wife. Said it was to be hoped, of course, that in all instances any member of immediate family desiring to do so would be permitted to leave regardless of nationality, in order that families may remain unbroken. Pu said he had no further information on this at present but “of course this can be checked.” Jenkins requested this be done.
Jenkins said before leaving wished say again we naturally highly gratified these six Americans now able return to their homes and relatives. Said was sure this would be source of great happiness to relatives, friends, indeed all Americans who have been deeply concerned about their welfare. Said hoped relatives and friends of other US citizens now detained may soon have equal cause for happiness. Meeting ended.
Since news good we decided release names to press2 in order avoid raising false hopes other relatives and since Chinese will probably release anyway.
Comments follow.
- Secto 687 from Geneva, July 20, reported that Jenkins was to meet with the Chinese the next day and proposed that, since the Geneva Conference was about to conclude, he should suggest continuing contact in Geneva between members of the staff of the U.S. and Chinese Consulates General. (396.1 GE/7–2054) The Department replied in Tosec 582, July 20, that Jenkins should suggest communication through Trevelyan but that if this was rejected, he could suggest staff-level contact in Geneva. (396.1 GE/7–2054)↩
- A copy of the press release issued by the U.S. Delegation in Geneva on July 21 is in Conference files, lot 60 D 627, CF 318.↩