811.42700(R)/7–949: Telegram
The Consul General at Shanghai (Cabot) to the Secretary of State
[Received July 9—5:48 a. m.]
2672. Liberation Daily reports today Olive has tendered written apology to police admitting following offenses: Violation of traffic [Page 1213] regulations, refusing to report name to police authorities, beating up police officers, damaging property Public Safety Bureau. Apology gives assurance that similar incident will not occur in future and states that during detention Olive had not been given any maltreatment.
I suggest this be played up by VOA as typical example of Communist propaganda. From at least two impartial sources in position to know facts it is clear Olive was severely beaten (although in fairness resisting authority) and that he was placed in filthy cell with other prisoners incommunicado and without being allowed to have food sent him. I believe it is important to let as many people in China as possible know how much one of these apologies is worth.
Pass to VOA New York.
Sent Department; repeated Nanking 1491.