Office of the Historian

285. Telegram From the Acting Secretary of State to the United States Mission at the United Nations1

Washington, September 17, 1957—6:02 p.m.

265. Your 852 April 30.2 Department’s 53.3 Ambassador should approach Secretary General at suitable opportunity and inform him US Government would appreciate his writing personal letter Chou En-lai behalf Downey and Fecteau as he previously indicated he willing to do.4 Affirm US position they entitled repatriation under Korean Armistice Agreement. At your discretion also make following points: At time of capture, Department of Army civilian employees Downey and Fecteau were on mission for UN Command which directly connected with war effort. Reason their repatriation not sought during Panmunjom negotiations is Communists failed to disclose capture until November 1954. Subsequent release four fighter pilots and 11 airmen, followed by Geneva Agreed Announcement of September 10, appeared hold promise their “expeditious” release. Continued failure Chinese Communists honor September 10, 1955 pledge makes new approach necessary. Chinese Communists tacit acknowledgment Downey and Fecteau belong in prisoner of war category illustrated by fact Chou discussed cases with Secretary General in January 1955, also by inclusion Downey, Fecteau in list of Americans Wang presented Ambassador Johnson at Geneva August 2, 1955,5 under heading “American Military Personnel who Have Committed Crimes.”

Although Downey and Fecteau were accused of espionage, this in no way differentiates them from eleven fliers, who were accused of same crime and yet released.6

Murphy
  1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 611.95A251/4–3057. Secret. Drafted in CA by Alward and Osborn; approved by Clough; and cleared with FE, UNP, IO, NA, L, and Defense.↩
  2. In telegram 852 from USUN, Ambassador Lodge reported that he had discussed with the Secretary-General a possible approach to Chou En-lai on behalf of Downey and Fecteau. Hammarskjöld indicated that he was willing to make such an approach, but he was concerned not to interfere with the U.S.-Chinese talks at Geneva. (Ibid.)↩
  3. Telegram 53 to USUN, July 18, repeated telegram 30 from Geneva, July 11; see footnote 7, Document 271. (Telegram 53 to New York is in Department of State, Central Files, 611.93/7–1157.)↩
  4. See footnote 7, Document 271.↩
  5. See footnote 2, Document 4.↩
  6. In telegram 423 from New York, Ambassador Lodge reported that, as instructed, he had requested that the Secretary-General address a letter to Chou En-lai on behalf of Downey and Fecteau. Hammarskjöld returned a note to Lodge indicating that he would send the requested letter immediately. (Department of State, Central Files, 611.95A251/9–2657)↩