673. Telegram 16 to Geneva1
16. For Johnson.
1. Letter from Mackensen to his father dated April 30 indicates he has been brainwashed to attack our position on implementation and to elect to remain in Communist China after his term completed. Letter describes in glowing terms his trip around China with other prisoners. Says he is receiving QUOTE first-class treatment UNQUOTE in prison and is completely satisfied that Chinese side carrying out its part of Geneva Agreement on return civilians. He declares QUOTE I am somewhat disturbed that Chinese in U.S. aren’t faring so well. Though our ambassador at Geneva and British Charge d’Affaires in Peking have had complete reports on Americans in China, so far as I know, so far there have been no comparable reports from our side on Chinese in America to Ambassador Wang or to Indian Embassy. It seems to me if we are to carry on negotiations in good faith, then we must do so on basis of complete equality and mutual benefit. How else can negotiations be successful? At same time I have read letters from Chinese who have relatives in America (particularly students), whose whereabouts and disposition have become a question. Whatever you may have heard [Facsimile Page 2] concerning this matter, it is evident that there have been all kinds of intimidation, restrictions, and other unsavory methods used against patriotic Chinese in our country—and their families at home have all suffered because of this. They are innocent victims of unwarranted discrimination. UNQUOTE
Goes on to say his detention completely different from QUOTE what Chinese in US are facing UNQUOTE. He was detained for QUOTE open hostility to trends in Chinese domestic affairs and for aiding those who would turn back the course of Chinese history. UNQUOTE. Declares he intends to resign from Board of Foreign Missions and request permission to remain and work in China when his term up in ten months. Full text by letter.
2. Indian Government requested and received our permission July 7 to inform Chinese Communists text our circular letter to Chinese prisoners. You should anticipate possible Chinese Communist reaction tomorrow’s meeting.
- Source: Department of State, Central Files, 611.93/7–956. Confidential; Priority; Limit Distribution. Drafted by Clough; cleared by Phleger.↩