Office of the Historian

123 [Ward, Angus I.]: Circular telegram

The Acting Secretary of State to Certain Diplomatic Representatives 75

Washington, November 23, 1949—9 a. m.

Re concerned Depcirtel re Ward case76 and Depintel Nov 2377 stating Ward and other staff members released. In event you are approached by FonMin pointing out that release Ward and staff members from prison wld appear make representations by his Govt to Chi Commie auths unnecessary, you shld reply along fol lines:

[Page 1019]

Although Ward and accused staff members now released on parole and subj deportation, no assurances so far recd from Commie auths that transportation facilities and necessary exit permits forthcoming to enable Ward and staff ConGen (including dependents and those not arrested) depart China for US as directed by US Govt on May 19, 1949 and as promised by Commie auths on June 21. Moreover their release from prison this late date in no way affects facts in case re arrest Ward and four staff members or their detention incommunicado for nearly 1 month despite rptd attempts this Govt get in touch with them or ascertain reason for such intolerable treatment. You may also inform FonMin if question raised that during “trial” of Ward and staff members they were refused access to legal counsel, right to produce witnesses for defense, right to question witnesses or plaintiffs, and right to submit rebutting arguments. Dept of opinion, therefore, that release of Ward and staff members on parole in no way obviates desirability concerned nations making appropriate representations to highest Chi Commie auths expressing their concern over this flagrant violation of accepted standards Internatl conduct.

Pls report any approaches by FonMin this subj and their reaction to above line reasoning.

Webb
  1. The representatives in Ankara, Athens, Bern, Brussels, Bucharest, Cairo, Canberra, Caracas, Copenhagen, Habana, The Hague, Lima, Lisbon, London, Manila, Mexico City, Moscow, New Delhi, Oslo, Ottawa, Panama City, Paris, Rangoon, Rome, Sofia, Stockholm, Vienna, and Warsaw; also to Peiping for information only.↩
  2. November 18, 10 a. m., p. 1009.↩
  3. Not printed, but see telegram No. 2064, November 23, supra.↩