Foreign Relations of the United States, 1955–1957, Volume III, China, Microfiche Supplement

615. Telegram 1928 from Geneva¹

Geneva, May 24, 1956, 5 p.m.

1928. From Johnson.

Re para 4 and following Deptel 2023.

1. Strongly favor course B with Indian Embassy representatives permitted to interview all prisoners or at least those now electing return to mainland. Suggest this action be taken without prior demand on CHICOMS for quid pro quo but subsequently use to maximum advantage this undermining of their public position on imprisoned Americans.

2. Fear course A would probably involve US in serious problems both domestically and with GRC. Might give rise to court actions and would in end prove to be very difficult if not impossible to carry through.

3. Course C appears be only continuation our present course of action.

4. Course D cannot but tend support CHICOM public position with respect imprisoned Americans.

5. Believe that advantages under course B of permitting Indians interview all prisoners far outweigh disadvantages. Believe we can maintain valid distinction between our taking initiative permit Indians interview prisoners and Indians taking initiative interview free persons who have not asked for their assistance. First it does maximum forestall possibility CHICOM allegation some American prisoners do not desire return and not permitting verification by UK. This would be particularly important if as suggested in Deptel most if not virtually all Chinese prisoners might reject voluntary deportation. In this event without advantages Indian verification course B could well be actually counterproductive. Indian verification would of course also markedly improve our public position. In this connection believe it important note CHICOMS will respond this move on our part by release additional Americans only because considerations their public position.

6. Suggest best tactic would be simultaneously inform Wang here and Indians that all prisoners have at all times been free communicate with Indian Embassy if they felt agreed announcement applicable to them and they desired return. We have thus fulfilled our obligations under agreed announcement. We understand thus far none have in fact communicated with Indian Embassy. Nevertheless in view Wangs statements we have carried out careful investigation all prisons to identify Chinese imprisoned. This necessary because no Chinese imprisoned on political type charges because his race, nationality or political beliefs but only for common crimes. In order remove any vestige question our performance under agreed announcement, each of these persons has not only individually been informed of agreed announcement but has now specifically been informed that if he desires to do so he may apply for parole and voluntary deportation to mainland. Prompt action will be taken upon any such application. Indians will be informed of any such deportees and if Indians desire arrangements will be made for them to interview such persons. Arrangements will also be made for Indians interview prisoners of Chinese nationality who do not apply for such parole and deportation.

7. Suggest that at same time we inform GRC of action being taken but do not give action any publicity at this time, treating it as only further routine step with respect agreed announcement. Also suggest I inform Wang in straight manner without coupling action with demands respecting imprisoned Americans. CHICOMS will be quick to realize how much this will undercut their public position and will be quicker to correct that position by additional releases Americans if presented in this manner than if coupled with demands or public pressures.

Gowen

Note: Mr. Waddell’s office (FE) notified 3:40 p.m. 5/25/56 CWO/EMB

1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 611.93/5–2556. Confidential; Limit Distribution.