94. Telegram 526 to Geneva1
526. Personal for Johnson from Secretary. Your 490.
I have the distinct impression that the CHICOMS had intended after announcing release of flyers to proceed promptly at your conference to announce release of US civilians, all in expectation this would create wave of good feeling toward them which would enable them to make gains in discussing other matters. I have also impression they have altered this policy because release of flyers and report of their treatment has created considerable wave of indignation and indeed the editorial and press comment expresses itself with greater hostility toward CHICOMS since the release of flyers than before. Parenthetically, I might mention that after first report of torturing of Colonel Arnold came from Tokyo we asked Defense to try to moderate this theme in interest of civilians and they are cooperating this end.
CHICOMS should realize that whenever prisoners are returned there is inevitably initial wave of resentment as they tell their stories. This is a phase which CHICOMS must live through and they do not [Facsimile Page 2] get anywhere by postponing it. However, once the American civilians are out of China, then we may be compelled to alter our policy toward [Typeset Page 119] visitors to the China mainland because principal reason for deterring those visitors will have ceased, namely that we do not want more Americans to get in until it has been demonstrated that those now there can get out. Subject to possible restraint of Foreign Assets Control Regulations visits will then occur which would bring back reports which if facts justify may lead to a different judgment. I do not know whether CHICOMS realize this possible sequence of events or whether you will want to intimate it to them in a very cautious way without of course any promises. In any event, it may be useful for you to know my thinking on this matter.
- Source: Department of State, Central Files, 611.93/8–1655. Confidential; Priority.Drafted by Dulles.↩