811.91293/8–1645: Telegram
The Ambassador in China ( Hurley ) to the Secretary of State
[Received 4 p.m.]
1364. Association of foreign correspondents in Chungking has expressed interest in the cases of Berrigan and Isaacs, on two counts: (1) to ascertain reason for action of Chinese Government, and (2) for clarification of regulations governing activities of correspondents, for [Page 1481] their own guidance. They asked if I would transmit a communication to the State Department covering point 1 and I agreed to do so. To date it has not been received.
I have informed them that in view of the Chinese Government no issue of freedom of the press is involved and that I had communicated to State Department on behalf of Chinese Government last week (see Embassy’s telegram No. 1310, August 9, 9 a.m.) statement of that Government relative to point 1. I also informed them of possibility that Chinese Government might desire to issue statement to correspondents in Chungking.