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

396.1 GE/6–1654: Telegram

No. 218
The Secretary of State to the United States Delegation at the Geneva Conference¹

confidential
niact

Washington, June 17, 1954—7:16 p.m.

Tosec 436. Re Secto 452² and 465.³ Secretary has requested Attorney General orally and in writing to begin gradual issuance exit authorizations to those Chinese students desiring return mainland whose departure from US in opinion of Defense would not be contrary to national security interests. Attorney General has agreed orally. Secretary suggested release in batches of ten or fifteen at a time, with first group to be released within day or so. There will be no implication of exchange of hostages, or arbitrary detention of Chinese. Since necessary formal clearances from Defense Department not yet obtained, no names can be mentioned at this time. On basis informal review, Defense so far has found only one individual who can not be permitted to leave. This is Chien Hsueh-shen, (FYI only guided missiles expert at Cal Tech, No. 1 on list your Secto 453⁴) and he no longer wishes to leave. 57 out of 124 on list apparently wish to return to mainland.

No objection to June 19 meeting. It is possible that first list of names may be available by then. If not, statement can be made indicating prospect of early decision.

Of five names mentioned Secto 453, none in jail so far as INS aware; three not yet identified, and two wish to remain in US.

You should of course continue refuse participate in any joint statement and should endeavor lay groundwork for resumption activities behalf American interests by Trevelyan in Peiping.

Dulles

1. Drafted by McConaughy and cleared with the Secretary.
2. Document 215.
3. Secto 465 from Geneva, June 17, reported that the Chinese had requested a meeting on June 19. (396.1 GE/6–1754)
4. Dated June 16, not printed. (396.1 GE/6–1654)