Office of the Historian

316. Telegram From the Secretary of State to the Department of State1

Geneva, July 23, 1955—8 p.m.

Dulte 34. Eyes only Acting Secretary from Secretary.

1.

British informed us today July 23 Chinese Communist Vice Foreign Minister called in O’Neill at request Chou En-lai to communicate his reply on text of press announcement. Subject to two amendments Chinese government accept text. These amendments are to substitute “Peking” for “Peiping” and “conducted” for “resumed”. If first change unacceptable to Secretary Dulles, Chinese Government would revert to language of their original draft “China and America”. Second change is in original US draft, they point out.

As to timing, O’Neill reports Chinese propose 1400 GMT July 24 or 24 hours later if first day too soon.

O’Neill reported he explained reasons why US prefers “Peiping” stating it was a real difficulty for US Government, which he was sure did not insist on this point out of any desire of ill will or intention insult Chinese. Vice Minister was obdurate and repeated it was absurd and wounding to refer to “Peking” by any other name.

O’Neill then suggested our alternate formula (Dulte 23)2 as acceptable to US. Vice Minister said he would repeat this suggestion to Chou En-lai, but pointed out alternative omitted any reference to America or China so that no one would know who the two sides were. O’Neill said it would be clear enough since the announcement would be issued from Washington and Peking. Vice Minister said proposal would be considered, but he hoped first to hear US reactions to his latest proposals.

O’Neill told him he would seek instructions.

In subsequent telegram of July 23, O’Neill commented to Foreign Office he assumed Americans would not accept “America and China” and that Chinese might remain difficult. To reconcile point, O’Neill suggests changing “consular representatives of both sides” to “Chinese and American consular representatives”.

2.
If above alternative formula unacceptable to Chinese on nomenclature, then we would propose substituting “United States and Peoples Republic of China” for “Peiping and Washington”. Second Chinese change acceptable. O’Neill’s suggestion unacceptable.
3.
Release can be made 1400 GMT July 24 or July 25 as soon as Chinese acceptance text confirmed in Washington.
4.
Above approved by President, and British requested convey to O’Neill immediately.3
Dulles
  1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 611.93/7–2355. Top Secret; Niact. Repeated for information to London eyes only for Aldrich.↩
  2. Document 311.↩

  3. A message, addressed to the Foreign Office and dated July 23, bears notations indicating that it was signed by Dulles and delivered to a member of the British delegation at Geneva. It requested that O’Neill should be informed as follows:

    “We accept second change proposed by Chinese. If they reject alternative formula on their first amendment, we would propose substituting ‘United States and Peoples Republic of China’ for ‘Peiping and Washington’ in our original draft.

    “Release can be made 1400 GMT July 24 or July 25 as soon as final text confirmed both sides.” (Department of State, Conference files: Lot 63 D 123, CF 515)

    ↩