Foreign Relations of the United States, 1952–1954, China and Japan, Volume XIV, Part 1

396.1 GE/5–2754: Telegram

No. 199
The Under Secretary of State (Smith) to the Department of State¹

confidential

Geneva, May 27, 1954—9 p.m.

Secto 324. Department pass Defense. Following is summary “record of conversation with Mr. Huan Hsiang” dated May 27 prepared by Trevelyan and given USDel this afternoon:

Huan Hsiang who raised subject himself said Chinese did not detain Americans which proved by fact there were 1,500 Americans in 1950 and only 80 now. About 30 in prison falling in 2 categories (a) those who had “committed crimes or were guilty of improper activities” and (b) “those who illegally entered China by sea or air and were detained for that reason.” Not possible for Chinese release prisoners in either category; must be dealt with accordance Chinese law.

Huan said 5,000 or 6,000 Chinese students in US deprived of passports and not allowed return China. Difference between Americans detained China and Chinese in America was Americans detained because contravened law but Chinese in US had obeyed law. Chinese people “much incensed about wrongful policy US Government this matter.”

Chinese delegation appreciates Trevelyan action raising matter on personal basis. However, there were US and Chinese delegations in Geneva; if US delegation approached them directly or introduced by Trevelyan they ready discuss matter further.

Trevelyan indicated Huan figures Chinese students not allowed leave US greatly exaggerated. According his information never exceded 120, many of whom now probably changed minds. Huan replied his figures based on US news agency report.

In reply question re status imprisoned Americans, Huan said a few had been sentenced, proceedings going on against others, and some cases investigations still being carried on. Huan could say nothing about air men shot down over China.

Trebelyan then asked whether Chinese Communist delegate would be willing if necessary to take matter further with him before discussion with American delegation. Huan replied they “could not say much more at the moment in present circumstances.”

Trevelyan then made personal plea on behalf Christian handing Huan copy medical report and suggesting possibility treating case as if Christian were British subject due his long employment British company. Pointed out adverse publicity if Christian died in China. Huan replied would consider this request.

On basis foregoing conversation, which follows substantially same line taken by Huang Hua special press conference yesterday (Secto 315),² British feel further efforts act alone this matter would be unproductive and suggest member USDel accompany Trevelyan at next meeting. While we continue believe intermediary best means approach, choice now seems to be between direct negotiation or decision not to pursue matter further in Geneva.

Trevelyan expressed belief unlikely Communists would agree even in direct negotiation release any imprisoned Americans immediately. Best we could hope for would be speeding up of Communist judicial processes and eventual release “all but two or three.” However he felt that those denied exit permits might receive them, provided in cases involving bank personnel, financial aspects satisfactorily arranged. As to air men and other military personnel in Communist China no indication what Communist attitude would be. Trevelyan said it would probably take months work out problem. He could carry on in Peiping if initial arrangements made here.

On balance we believe at least one meeting by one or two members USDel in company Trevelyan with Chinese Communists should take place in order ascertain whether any possibility exists obtaining release at least some Americans on reasonable basis. This connection would appreciate Department telegraphing soonest any factual information which would be useful in discussing fantastic Communist claim re detention 5,000 Chinese students.³

Smith

1. Repeated for information to Hong Kong and London.
2. Secto 315 from Geneva, May 27, transmitted a summary report of an “off-the-record” press conference held on May 26 by Huang Hua on this subject. (396.1 GE/5–2754)
3. Information was sent in Tosec 286 to Geneva, May 28. (396.1 GE/5–2754) For the text of a statement issued on May 29 by the U.S. Delegation at Geneva, see Department of State Bulletin, June 21, 1954, pp. 949–950.