Back to Duty

Three months ago, the FBI arrested six critics of the State Department's pro-Chiang policy toward China, charged them with conspiracy to violate U.S. espionage laws (TIME, June 18). A fortnight ago, three of them were indicted by a Federal Grand Jury; the other three, including John Stewart Service, for twelve years a Foreign Service officer for the State Department, were cleared. Last week 36-year-old, sharp-faced John Service had his Washington job back. He also had two memorable letters.

Wrote former Under Secretary of State Joseph C. Grew: "When I learned that your name had been coupled with thefts of official documents I was inexpressibly shocked. ... I am pleased you are returning to duty."

Wrote Secretary of State James Byrnes: "By [the democratic] process you have been cleared. I am happy to approve the recommendation that you be returned to active duty. ... I predict for you a continuance of a splendid record."

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