3. Telegram 227 from Geneva1
227. From Johnson.
Extremely heavy press coverage at my arrival this afternoon. I confined myself entirely to same statement made on departure from Washington.
All press services and many principal correspondents here with more arriving hourly. I am making clear all of them directly and through ConGen press offices no news to be expected from me and doing all possible play down, emphasizing these only talks between two ambassadors. Hope Department will continue do all possible help.
Wang gave press conference this morning and issued statement which I presume available Dept through press services. Chinese are exuding sweetness and light a la Soviets and appear making preparations heavy propaganda play. Anticipate I may have difficulty obtaining Wang’s agreement closed nature meetings. However I intend press hard on this if necessary adjourning tomorrow’s meeting on this issue.
I have talked Pelt on phone and accepted his suggestion that I visit Palais early tomorrow morning time press not usually around to decide meeting room. He to suggest that Wang be there same time. If Wang only sends rep I will send Clough. Pelt assures me unpretentious small secluded meeting room is available. I have privately emphasized to American press correspondents entire lack any significance Palais meeting place other than only suitable place available and was where Wang and I last met. Plan to seek Wang’s agreement to 3 P.M. meeting time and no photographers to be admitted but will not blow latter up into any major issue.
[Facsimile Page 2]In reply correspondent’s questions Chinese have said Wang came directly from Warsaw to Geneva.
- Source: Department of State, Central Files, 611.93/7–3155. Official Use Only.↩