158. Telegram 678 to Geneva1
678. For Johnson.
Your 661. You may your discretion use following information in reply Wang’s remarks on Chinese in US.
Paragraph 16: INS affirms no restraining orders in force since March 24, except in case Tsien, whose restraining order revoked August 3. Hence return to PRC of any Chinese National in US, and timing such return, depends on volition individual, not on implementation agreed announcement.
Paragraph 20: Wang’s request for list all Chinese in US of course will not be considered. Tsien Hsue-shen, only specific case mentioned by Wang, has advised INS his intent depart Los Angeles September 17 [Typeset Page 206] abroad President Cleveland destination China mainland. Tsien entered US as student in 1935, admitted for permanent resident in 1947. Has studied aeronautical engineering at institutes of technology of Massachusetts and California. Has recently been engaged in research on rockets and jet propulsion and has worked on classified projects.
Also signifying intention depart same time same ship as Tsien are two other former restrainees, Li Cheng-wu and Lee Sun-hsiang. Kao Fa-ti (prevention order revoked March 24) departed August 27 abroad President Wilson destined Hong Kong. Presume his eventual destination is PRC.
[Facsimile Page 2]Chinese constantly being allowed freely depart US. From July 11, when initiative for Geneva talks occurred, to August 31, 83 Chinese Nationals departed US for Far East. No information now available how many these intended proceed Communist China, but obvious they completely free to do so, as far as US concerned.
Information (FYI from Hong Kong authorities END FYI) indicates 47 Chinese passed through Hong Kong in transit status to Communist China from US between January 1 and August 31. Figure does not include Chinese who may have entered Hong Kong without specifying intention proceed PRC, then crossed border.
- Source: Department of State, Central Files, 611.93/8–3155. Confidential; Priority. Drafted by Nagoski and Osborn; cleared by Sebald and in draft by Phleger. The time of transmission is illegible.↩