Foreign Relations of the United States, 1955–1957, China, Volume II

304. Telegram From the Consul General at Geneva (Gowen) to the Department of State¹

Geneva, July 15, 1955—7 p.m.

89. My telegram 79.² Today I had meeting with Chinese Communist representative Shen Ping and his usual aides private sitting room top floor Restaurant Perle du Lac at Geneva. Usual meeting place at now overcrowded Hotel Beau Rivage not available. Accompanied by Shillock. Language French.

Saying I was speaking under orders my government I recited facts stated your 67³ and also referred to urgent case of Sister Theresa.⁴ Speaking through his interpreter Shen said:

Recently my government has received many letters from our students in US and their families. These letters show many Chinese students in US have been notified by your emigration authorities they must leave US by September 6, 1955. These notifications threaten our students with arrest if they do not leave your country by that date. If they do not leave by that date they are to appear before your authorities. This action is arbitrary and does not facilitate departure our students. On the contrary it causes hardship and does not give them sufficient time to make their travel plans. This is because many students do not have funds to purchase transportation home before September 6 and consequently if they do not leave at their expense before that date they will be arrested. This is harsh maneuver of your government and pretext for the arrest of our students and to cause them grave hardship. Over one year has elapsed since first Geneva meetings with your side started. We have always opposed unreasonable actions of your government towards our students, the ill treatment they have suffered and brutal and senseless way in which many of them have been arrested and detained. These actions of your government ignore our protests and are unreasonable. My side wishes to stress once more our students are in the US to study, that they have committed no crimes and that they should all be free to return to their homeland whenever they wish to do so. Your government must not mistreat them nor arrest and detain them nor limit time within which they should depart. Fact your government has deprived these students right to return their homeland to rejoin their families is contrary all humane principles and contrary to legal rights our people to return home. This conduct of your government has caused most profound indignation of our students, their families and the people our entire country. In the name of my government I hereby register solemn protest against treatment extended our students in your country as I have just explained.

Regarding Americans in China we always protect those who respect our laws. On condition they settle their personal debts many Americans in China can apply for exit permits. This we have previously explained to you. My government has always done its best to relieve tension and our efforts that effect are well known by entire world. However, to relieve tension it is necessary for both sides to cooperate. Therefore, we request American Government cease all action limiting time within which our students should leave US. Your government should also refrain from arresting or expelling those students who can not make travel arrangements and carry them out before September 6. Your government must not in any case ill treat our students who wish to go home and join their families.

I have noted what you said about Sister Theresa. Her case will be brought attention my government.

I replied I would report my government what Shen had said and that such reply as my government might wish to make would be communicated to him in due course. I again took occasion to emphasize how very well and generously Chinese students in US are treated that they are free to depart if they wish to do so, that some have elected of their own free will to remain in the US while others have elected to leave the US but not to return to Communist China. (I was guided by your 828⁵ where appropriate.) I said with very few exceptions no adequate news had been received as to welfare and whereabouts of Americans in Communist China, that families have received no letters and that very many Americans in China have likewise received no communications from their families. I sharply contrasted very fine and generous way in which we have treated Chinese students in US with way Americans have been treated in Communist China. I again emphatically expressed hope every effort would be made by Shen’s side to effect early repatriation all Americans in Red China and that prompt complete information be furnished us concerning their welfare. With regard Americans he said are free to apply for exit permits provided they settle certain alleged personal debts I inquired whether he knew names and addresses these Americans and exact nature and amount in each case alleged unsettled personal debts. I said our side prepared furnish information status, welfare whereabouts Chinese student cases in which Shen’s side interested and added all people my country are most anxious see their relatives in China repatriated and to have complete information concerning them. I emphatically stressed all Department had previously instructed me to say with regard our people in Communist China. I impressed upon Shen very grave and deep indignation and resentment American people and my government sad tragic plight Americans in Red China and also sorrow and anxiety which failure his side to furnish any requested information continues to cause. Shen noted my remarks. No press release issued. Meeting ended after about two hours.

Gowen

1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 293.1111/7–1555. Confidential; Niact. Repeated for information to London, Hong Kong, New Delhi, and the U.S. Mission at the United Nations.
2. Telegram 79 from Geneva, July 14, reported that a meeting which Gowen had requested with Shen Ping had been scheduled for July 15. (Ibid., 293.1111/7–1455)
3. Telegram 67 to Geneva, July 8, instructed Gowen to request a meeting with Shen Ping and provided his instructions for the meeting. He was to inform the Chinese that there was no U.S. requirement that Chinese students had to apply for permission to leave before June 30 (see footnote 3, Document 278), provide further information concerning several U.S. nationals in China, welcome Shen’s statement at the June 23 meeting that the Communists wished to relieve tension by settling the remaining cases of U.S. nationals, and reiterate U.S. concern at the detention of Americans in China. (Department of State, Central Files, 293.1111/7–855)
4. Eva Stella DuGay.
5. See footnote 3, Document 198.