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

293.1111/11–752: Telegram

No. 59
The Acting Secretary of State to the Embassy in India¹

secret

Washington, November 7, 1952—1:51 p.m.

1367. With ref Deptel 2802 Oct 21 to London rptd New Delhi 1177 Hong Kong 1470 Ottawa 77² pls ask GOI request Raghavan present humanitarian appeal Peiping auths behalf Amers and other fon natls under arrest Commie China along lines reftel. You shld stress matter more urgent than ever with onset winter, situation of many undoubtedly critical, at least three Amers having died in prison or as result imprisonment.

You may inform GOI it is this govt’s understanding Brit Govt wld desire Commonwealth natls in similar situation that of Amers be included in appeal, wld prefer Brit Chargé Lamb Peiping concert with Raghavan if GOI agreeable, and will so inform Lamb. In either case Lamb can give Raghavan current info any time re nr and identity Amers and Commonwealth natls under arrest.

Canadian Emb has informed Dept Canadian Govt will be ready ask its HC New Delhi approach GOI if such action appears appropriate.

Pls keep Dept informed.

Bruce

1. Repeated to London, Ottawa, and Hong Kong.
2. This telegram stated that the Department expected to ask the Indian Government to request Raghavan to appeal to the Peking authorities on behalf of the imprisoned Americans on humanitarian grounds, stressing concern that they be enabled to have warm bedding and clothing, vitamins, and any needed medicine. (293.1111/10–2152)