396.1 GE/7–1954: Telegram
The United States Delegation to the Department of State1
Secto 661. Re Secto 639. Topping has supplied in confidence following background information concerning his story on views of Chinese Communist delegation.2
[Page 1449]He stated his informant was Huang Hua, whom he has known for many years. Interview was at Huang‘s initiative, was called on short notice, and was conducted in extremely serious manner without propaganda harangues.
Topping said he had reported Huang‘s statement fully in his story but had obtained number of “visual impressions” during interview. When Huang spoke of possibility American bases in Indochina or anti-Communist pact in Southeast Asia, he became very agitated, his hands shook, and his usually excellent English broke down, forcing him to work through interpreter. Huang also spoke seriously and with apparent sincerity concerning his belief that I have returned to Geneva to prevent settlement. Topping believes Chinese Communists convinced Americans made deal with French during Paris talks on basis of which Mendes-France has raised price of settlement.