396.1 GE/6–1654: Telegram
No. 215
The Under Secretary of State
(Smith)
to the Department of State1
niact
Secto 452. Re Secto 445.2 On basis yesterday’s meeting, we have reached following conclusions:
- 1.
- Communists will make no deal for releasing Americans. They have repeatedly stressed only Americans being held “law violators” and must be dealt with according law. Situation therefore is that they will presumably tell us what status of individual cases is and determine unilaterally what action will be taken.
- 2.
- However, we estimate that there is fair chance during next few months Communists will deport a number of prisoners. Fact they have acknowledged holding Americans, have discussed situation directly with us, have promised to allow correspondence with relatives and have indicated possibility commuting sentences “for good behavior” may indicate some relaxation their policy in prospect.
- 3.
- We believe chances their releasing these Americans would be increased by our release of some Chinese previously detained. Communists obviously had very little specific information on Chinese in United States and did not accuse us detaining more than 120 (which we had already admitted) although for facesaving purposes alleged that many Chinese students have been afraid apply permission leave because 120 detained. Release some Chinese would undercut latter argument.
- 4.
- Fact that Communists did not set date for next meeting but merely said would notify us when investigations our lists completed leads us believe it may be some weeks before any specific information forthcoming on Americans if at all. Fact that our lists name 83 persons scattered throughout China and probability Communists may wish carefully review status each case before notifying us gives ground believe some time may elapse before further word received from them. Also significant that yesterday unlike previous meetings Communists made no mention we would have many contacts future.
In light above conclusions and current conference developments we propose following course action. We will ask for one more meeting with Communist representatives in order arrange for transmission exchange information re status imprisoned Americans and Chinese detained US. In conversation with Trevelyan yesterday he stressed Communists will not recognize his right negotiate for Americans but agreed could act as “letter box” for exchange information which will allow him follow situation and provide opportunity prod Communists informally. In proposed meeting we would endeavor obtain Communist concurrence this procedure.
We would like also be able tell Communists that investigation status detained Chinese in progress and as result of preliminary review we are prepared grant exit permits 10 or 15 Chinese (specifying names) and investigation and review other cases continuing. Believe we have nothing lose by this procedure and it might put certain psychological pressure on Communists inform us at time their investigation completed that some Americans were being released.
Assume Department informing families imprisoned Americans they can send letters and parcels to prisoners care of ChiCom Red Cross. Care should be taken in cases of 18 Air Force personnel and particularly 11 Navy and Coast Guard personnel indicate we do not know for certain that Communists are holding individuals named or even if they all alive.
Request Department give urgent consideration our suggestion informing Chinese Communists here some detained Chinese now free depart. In view deterioration conference situation desirable we receive information before end this week so can time meeting accordance conference developments.