The 22 Trophies

"There may be some who despise us," said the 22 belligerent, young Allied P.W.s who had turned their backs on the West, "but we will bring peace to the world."

The 21 Americans and one Briton made a shabby showing last week as they received the press in the "Peace Pagoda" at Panmunjom. They were poor trophies for any ideology. Twelve had previously earned the contempt of their fellow prisoners by acting as camp informers for their Red masters. Two were marijuana smokers, another was homosexual. Their average age was 23 1/2 more than half came from broken or unhappy homes.

Communist Correspondents Alan Winnington and Wilfred Burchett, serving as stage managers, did their best to liven the proceedings: "Hi. Al. Hello, Dick, how's everything?" But as prisoner after prisoner stood before the TV and newsreel came:as. each repeated the same, dull set piece: "We believe that our greatest task is to keep the peace and win democracy for our people, but if we return, our voices would be silenced. That is why we are here."

Former Corporal Aaron Wilson of Urania, La. was asked if he believed the U.N. forces had used germ warfare. "Yes," answered Wilson. "Why?" asked a reporter. "I saw the insects," said the soldier. "But how did you know they were germ-warfare insects?" persisted the newsman. As Wilson hesitated in confusion, one of his cronies jumped to his rescue: "He saw all about it in the newsreels." Wilson threw him a look of gratitude.

Two days later, the converts shared top billing at Kaesong's variety theater.

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