Foreign Relations of the United States, 1955–1957, Volume III, Microfiche Supplement, China

761. Telegram 640 to Geneva¹

Washington, December 10, 1956, 7:07 p.m.

640. Verbatim text. For Johnson.

Following draft text for release by Department if all ten Americans released:

QUOTE The Department of State is gratified to learn that the ten American citizens so long unjustly imprisoned by the Chinese Communists have finally been released. On September 10, 1955, more than a year ago, the Chinese Communists agreed that these Americans would be permitted expeditiously to return to their homes in the US. Only now have the Communists made good on their agreement. The American people are most appreciative of the good offices extended by the Indian Government and other governments in prevailing upon the Chinese Communists to honor their undertaking.

We hope that this long delayed action foreshadows a willingness on the part of the Chinese Communists to make a meaningful renunciation of force to include the Taiwan area. UNQUOTE

Following to be used in event only part of Americans released:

QUOTE We are glad that at long last these American citizens are again free. We have all been distressed by the sufferings which they and others have unjustly endured under the Chinese Communists. If the Chinese Communists had honored their pledge of September 10, 1955, they should have been free long ago. The American people are most appreciative of the good offices extended by the Indian Government and other governments in prevailing upon the Chinese Communists to take this step toward carrying out their undertakings.

There still remain (blank) Americans in Communist jails. Despite the Chinese Communists’ promise over 15 months ago to take measures to permit all Americans held in China “expeditiously” to exercise their right to return, they continue to hold (blank) Americans as political hostages.

Only full implementation of the Agreed Announcement can resolve the problem of the return of American civilians. Until the Chinese Communists honor their commitment, the United States will continue to press for the release of the remaining Americans UNQUOTE.

Hoover

1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 611.93/12–1056. Confidential; Priority; Limit Distribution. Drafted by Clough, Lindbeck, and Phleger; cleared by Phleger in draft and Sebald.