Office of the Historian

794A.00/6–250: Telegram

The Secretary of State to the Embassy in China

confidential
priority
Washington, June 2, 1950—6 p. m.

440. Ur 844 rptd Hong Kong 243 June 2. Dept desires you discuss informally with FonMin arrest trial FLR Reps stating Dept has requested you report re charges, nature of evidence and outcome trial these persons insofar as info available. You shld add that as FonMin aware US Govt has been interested in and sought to further where it cld resistance Formosan population to Commie penetration and subversion and good relations between Natl Govt and Formosan people. US interest in present case arises from its interest these factors and possible effect which case might have upon them.

FYI only you shld avoid giving any impression US questioning propriety of arrests or prejudging case.1

Acheson

  1. In his telegram 880, June 8, from Taipei, not printed, Mr. Strong reported that Chen Tai-chu, Director of the American Department in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, had informed him that the charges against the prisoners were, in general, treason involving advocacy of the overthrow of the National Government (794A.00/6–850).

    On June 21, the Chargé stated that 10 of the FLR prisoners had been released, with the other nine, including Peter Huang and John Liao, being held very possibly as hostages to force the return of Thomas Liao to Taiwan. The trial of these nine prisoners was being put off from day to day. (telegram 954, June 21, from Taipei; 794A.00/6–2150)

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