794A.00/6–250: Telegram
The Chargé in China ( Strong ) to the Secretary of State
priority
844. Several of the 19 Formosans connected with Formosan League for Reemancipation arrested last half of May going before military court today. Action initiated by Chiang Ching-kuo.1 Arrested include John Liao, nephew of Thomas and Joshua.2
[Page 357]Yang Chao-chia, Commissioner of Civil Affairs, appealed to K. C. Wu to intervene; K. C. stated he had no power.
In opinion of members of my staff best acquainted with FLR activities, there has been almost no activity on part of its leaders for three to four months, and they constitute no threat to Chinese Government. Leaders have recently been considering cooperation with Government against Communists.
Request Department advise urgently whether it is in order for me to make representations to Chinese Government on case and if so general tenor of approach. It is my feeling that arrests and trial are continuation of KMT intolerant police state methods which have consistently served to alienate population.
UP correspondents Art Goul and Bob Miller yesterday tried get information from member of my staff reference FLR, obviously with intent make headline story of machinations of US officials here with Formosans against Chinese Government. Seems to be their intention seize any opportunity discredit this office and Department.
Sent Department 844, repeated info Hong Kong 243.