334. Telegram 1036 from Geneva1
1036. From Johnson. Reference: Deptel 1078.
Presume Department will request UK instruct O’Neill immediately attempt arrange visit to Downey. I do not see how any question priority is involved and would hope O’Neill would in interview particularly attempt test CHICOM regulation on “discussion case in which prisoner involved”.
In this connection Department and O’Neill should have in mind usual Communist (as well as former Japanese and some European) practice of keeping prisoner incommunicado until “investigation” case completed. As Downey has been tried and sentenced such consideration should under any circumstances no longer apply his case. Also should note fact censor passed Downey’s letter specifically asking “to discuss his case”.
- Source: Department of State, Central Files, 611.93/11–255. Confidential; Priority; Limited Distribution.↩