American History Hit: "A CIA Man in China: 20 Years Imprisoned"

Introduction

In the riveting episode titled "A CIA Man in China: 20 Years Imprisoned," host Don Wildman delves deep into the harrowing tale of John Thomas Downey, a CIA agent whose daring espionage mission in the 1950s led to two decades of solitary confinement in a Chinese prison. Drawing from Barry Wirth's insightful book, Prisoner of Lies: America's Longest Held POW, Jack Downey's Cold War, the episode unpacks the complexities of Cold War espionage, the intricate web of CIA operations, and the profound personal resilience of Downey.

Setting the Stage: The Birth of the CIA and Cold War Tensions [03:24 – 05:14]

Barry Wirth begins by contextualizing the early Cold War era, highlighting the pivotal events that catalyzed the formation of the CIA. Post-World War II, the United States grappled with the Soviet Union's rapid advancements, notably the detonation of their first atomic bomb in 1949, shattering American expectations of nuclear supremacy. Concurrently, Mao Zedong's Communist forces overcame the Nationalist coalition in China, leading to the establishment of the People's Republic of China and the subsequent retreat of Chiang Kai-shek to Taiwan.

Don Wildman [04:05]: "The CIA was formed right in the aftermath of World War II... The early CIA could strut sitting down."

These developments sowed seeds of paranoia and urgency within the U.S. government, propelling espionage to the forefront of American foreign policy. The CIA, modeled after Britain's MI6 and inspired by the legendary OSS operatives of World War II, embarked on clandestine missions aimed at curbing Communist expansion, often with disastrous results, such as the failed secret war in Albania.

Recruitment of John T. Downey: The Making of a Spy [05:14 – 09:48]

Amidst this backdrop, Jack Downey emerges as an archetype of the era's CIA recruits. Born in 1930, Downey was part of the "little brothers" generation, eager to prove themselves in the shadow of the Greatest Generation. An exceptional student from Yale, Downey embodied the CIA's ideal: intelligent, athletic, and modest yet determined.

Don Wildman [09:48]: "He was very smart. He was an exceptional athlete. He had qualities of grit and determination and fire and fury, but combined with a kind of modesty and kindness."

Recruited alongside his Ivy League peers, Downey was tasked with leading operations to foster a "third force" against Communist China. This involved recruiting and training disaffected exiles to initiate a revolutionary movement within mainland China, a strategy that was, in reality, based on illusory prospects as Communist control was firmly entrenched.

The Mission and Capture: Falling into a Trap [10:25 – 18:54]

Downey's operations took him to Japan and Taiwan, from where he orchestrated missions to infiltrate mainland China. The CIA's ambitious attempt to parachute operatives into Manchuria for reconnaissance and potential rebellion quickly unraveled. The critical mission that sealed Downey's fate involved a perilous extraction planned via a C47 aircraft.

Don Wildman [14:12]: "This was the mission that led to Downey's capture."

Despite meticulous planning, the mission was a catastrophic failure. The operatives were double-crossed by their handlers, leading to a premeditated ambush by Chinese forces. Downey, alongside fellow CIA officer Dick Fecteau, was captured after their plane was fired upon and disabled. The Chinese soldiers immediately recognized Downey, leading to his swift and inevitable detention.

Don Wildman [16:58]: "They knew who he was and that he was coming."

Back in the United States, the CIA swiftly fabricated a cover story, declaring the disappearance of a civilian aircraft, thereby erasing any trace of Downey's true identity as a CIA agent.

Life in Prison: Endurance and Resilience [19:03 – 29:13]

Downey's imprisonment was marked by isolation, indoctrination sessions, and psychological warfare. For 20 years, he endured solitary confinement with minimal contact, struggling to comprehend the ever-evolving political landscape outside his cell. Throughout his captivity, Downey maintained unwavering faith in his government's efforts to secure his release.

Don Wildman [25:39]: "He decided, you are who you are. They can't get to the deepest recesses of your soul."

Despite harsh interrogations and the psychological pressure to divulge secrets, Downey resisted brainwashing techniques, refusing to compromise his integrity. He ingeniously authored a voluminous written confession, laden with irrelevant details, to obfuscate the truth and buy time for the CIA.

Negotiations and Release: The Turning Tide [30:57 – 33:54]

As global geopolitical dynamics shifted, particularly with Nixon's reconciliation efforts in the 1970s, the pathway for Downey's release began to materialize. Key figures like Henry Kissinger played pivotal roles in negotiating Downey's freedom by leveraging his detention as a bargaining chip in broader diplomatic relations.

Don Wildman [35:54]: "He was a real catch for the CIA."

Ultimately, John Downey was released in April 1973 after nearly 21 years of imprisonment, following intense negotiations and personal appeals grounded in both political strategy and humanitarian concerns.

Life After Imprisonment: Rebuilding and Legacy [37:16 – 40:08]

Upon his return, Downey faced the daunting task of reintegrating into a society that had dramatically transformed during his absence. Despite initial setbacks, including rejection from Yale Law School, Downey demonstrated remarkable resilience. He pursued a law degree at Harvard, forged meaningful relationships, and eventually became a respected judge in Connecticut, leaving an enduring legacy in the judicial system.

Don Wildman [40:08]: "He had a very inspiring second life."

Downey's ability to transcend his traumatic experiences and contribute positively to society stands as a testament to human endurance and adaptability.

Comparative Espionage: Downey vs. Powers [40:57 – 43:06]

The episode draws parallels between Downey's ordeal and that of Francis Gary Powers, the U-2 pilot shot down over Russia. Unlike Downey, Powers was immediately identified as a spy, which facilitated his exchange for a Soviet spy, Igor Gouzenko. Downey's concealed identity prolonged his captivity and underscored the intricate cover strategies employed by intelligence agencies during the Cold War.

Don Wildman [43:02]: "They were completely right about this and the Americans were completely wrong about it for almost 20 years."

Personal Insights and Reflections [43:06 – 44:53]

Barry Wirth emphasizes the significance of Downey's unpublished prison memoirs, which provided an unparalleled glimpse into his psychological resilience and coping mechanisms during incarceration. These writings were instrumental in crafting the narrative of Prisoner of Lies, offering an authentic portrayal of Downey's internal landscape.

Don Wildman [44:53]: "He was being treated as an unlawfully detained prisoner."

Conclusion: A Legacy of Resilience and Historical Insight

The episode concludes by highlighting Downey's unblemished character despite his prolonged imprisonment. His lack of bitterness and ability to rebuild his life inspire listeners, underscoring the profound personal costs of Cold War espionage.

Don Wildman [37:16]: "He wasn't bitter about the United States abandoning him for 20 years."

The story of John Thomas Downey serves as a poignant reminder of the personal sacrifices inherent in the cloak-and-dagger world of espionage and the enduring human spirit's capacity to overcome unimaginable adversity.

Notable Quotes

• Don Wildman [04:05]: "The early CIA could strut sitting down."
• Don Wildman [09:48]: "He was very smart. He was an exceptional athlete. He had qualities of grit and determination and fire and fury, but combined with a kind of modesty and kindness."
• Don Wildman [14:12]: "This was the mission that led to Downey's capture."
• Don Wildman [16:58]: "They knew who he was and that he was coming."
• Don Wildman [25:39]: "He decided, you are who you are. They can't get to the deepest recesses of your soul."
• Don Wildman [35:54]: "He was a real catch for the CIA."
• Don Wildman [43:02]: "They were completely right about this and the Americans were completely wrong about it for almost 20 years."
• Don Wildman [44:53]: "He was being treated as an unlawfully detained prisoner."
• Don Wildman [37:16]: "He wasn't bitter about the United States abandoning him for 20 years."

Final Thoughts

"A CIA Man in China: 20 Years Imprisoned" offers a comprehensive exploration of a lesser-known chapter of Cold War history, bringing to light the intricate operations of the CIA and the profound personal journey of John Thomas Downey. Through engaging storytelling and expert analysis, Don Wildman and Barry Wirth illuminate the enduring impacts of espionage on individual lives and international relations.