793B.00/8–750: Telegram
The Ambassador in India (Henderson) to the Secretary of State
306. Acting United Kingdom High Commissioner Roberts was informed August 5 of action taken by this Embassy as described Embtel 302, August 7. Care was taken to make clear that assurance of assistance resulted from inquiry initiated by Tibetans in June.
Roberts’ reaction seemed to be one of great interest as well as satisfaction. He remarked that His Majesty’s Government had consistently urged Government of India to give assistance to Tibetans and in fact “all possible aid short of going to war”.
Questioned as to what he thought Indian attitude might be in event Tibetans request additional military assistance from Government of India, Roberts said that latter had given Tibet already all assistance Tibet had requested and he thought it unlikely, therefore, that Government [Page 427] of India would reject request for additional aid. He intimated that since Government of India had requested British to replace some of material made available to Tibet that they would probably make similar request in case additional aid given and that His Majesty’s Government in such event might wish to discuss subject.
Questioned as to what he thought Government of India reaction would be in event that Chinese Communists invade Tibet, Roberts said he doubted Government of India would take any positive steps except possibly to supply additional arms and ammunition in the event Tibetans should resist with unexpected effectiveness.
Roberts was requested and promised not reveal above action to Government of India.