Memorandum, State Department Summary of Telegrams

DEPARTMENT OF STATE OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY WASHINGTON March 29, 1950 E 6 SUMMARY OF TELEGRAMS UNITED KINGDOM We have informed Ambassador Douglas in London that the action of the British in Hong Kong in allowing American airplanes to fall into the hands of the Chinese Communists has led to a situation which may seriously prejudice US-UK relations. We point out that these planes contribute directly to the military potential of the Soviet sphere; that our action to strengthen the UK against the USSR is more difficult if the UK simultaneously permits Soviet forces to be augmented in the Far East; and that strong criticism of the British action has been expressed by members of Congress. We therefore instruct Douglas to deliver to Bevin a statement of our concern over this issue, urging that the British in the interests of our common de- fense take all necessary steps to ensure that no airplanes, spare parts, or servicing equipment previously belonging to Chinese Nationalist airlines will be exported from Hong Kong. USSR Embassy Moscow has been instructed to seek an interview with Vyshinski in order to request on Secretary Acheson's behalf Vyshinski's intercession with the Hungarian government for the release of Vogeler and with the Chinese Communists for the release of the two marines, Smith and Bender. Our Embassy is to state that while these are not matters which directly involve the USSR, Secretary Acheson is deeply disturbed over the fate of these American citizens, and the good offices of Vyshinski may result in their release. Our Embassy should also point out that release of these men would relieve international tension and serve the cause of peace. Our Embassy may also say to Vyshinski that Legation Budapest, in discussing the Vogeler case with the Hungarian government, referred to Vyshinski's request to the Secretary for the release of Gubitchev, which the Secretary complied with after the completion of court action on the Gubitchev case. CZECHOSLOVAKIA We have proposed to Legation Praha that it discuss the state of US-Czech relations with the new Czech Foreign Minister, saying that if the Czech government DECLASSIFIED E.O. 12065, Sec. 3-402 State Dept. Guidelines, March 6, 1982 T By DEB NLT, Date 5-13-85