611.95A241/11–2450: Telegram
The Ambassador in Korea (Muccio) to the Secretary of State
priority
[Received November 24—7:13 a. m.]
435. Re concluding paragraphs Embtel 431, November 23 on returned US POW’s. Interrogation reveals following information:
Number returned 27; all members First US Cavalry Division. Men captured night November 2; after capture by Chinese they were led back to central assembly area, some reaching destination in 1 day and others in 8. During this period POW’s received hard treatment. On arrival at central assembly point US POW’s separated from other UN POWs.
Here POWs were subjected to routine questioning. Most questions were of political nature: Why fight in Korea? Why aiding American imperialists and Wall Street tycoons? Et cetera. Both North Koreans and Chinese participated in interrogations. While at central assembly point POW’s were billeted in farm houses. Millet diet provided initially but later rice, fish and other items were furnished. Some personal items were pilfered on trip north but after arrival at central assembly point personal possessions were not molested. POW’s left assembly point by truck and were released near UN lines 21st. POW’s told of destination only just before release.
POW’s unable explain motive for release. However, intelligence officer who questioned POW’s got impression decision must have been made on high level.