793B.00/12–2550: Telegram

The Ambassador in India (Henderson) to the Secretary of State

secret

1557. 1. Showed Bajpai today letter from Tibet delegation to UN and asked whether GOI had received similar communication from delegation (Embtel 1554, December 26)1 and what current attitude GOI reference Tibetan case before UN.

2. Bajpai replied no communication similar character received by GOI from Tibet although there had been informal conversations between GOI officials Kalimpong and Tibet. GOI attitude reference Tibetan case unchanged. If GOI should press Tibetan case just now in UN Communist China would be alienated to such extent GOI would lose all ameliorating influence on Peiping re Korea and related problems. Therefore Tibetan case would remain temporarily in abeyance so far GOI concerned.

3. Bajpai stated great confidence Dalai Lama left Lhasa for India overland about nine days ago and should arrive Gyangtse in few days. GOI endeavoring enshroud departure great secrecy lest he be stopped en route by Chinese Communist scouts or sympathizers. GOI temporarily treating stories his departure as mere rumors. Approximately ten days ago 150 Chinese Communist cavalry unexpectedly appeared vicinity Lhasa. Friends Lama insisted he leave before escape route cut off. Order still prevails Lhasa in which most Tibetan officials continue remain and continue in charge government. Certain however in short time Chinese Communists will have full control over all Tibet, probably with minimum fighting.

4. Lama will probably remain India. GOI will insist, however, that he reside at spot remote from Tibet.

Henderson
  1. Telegram 1554, not printed, transmitted the text of a letter dated December 21 to Ambassador Henderson from the Tibetan Delegation, currently at Kalimpong, which had been instructed to go to the United Nations and urge that body to take up the question of the Chinese incursion into Tibet. The letter asked the help of the United States particularly in bringing the question before the United Nations. (793B.00/12–2650)