793B.00/12–3050: Telegram
The Ambassador in India (Henderson) to the Secretary of State
1582. We have been giving considerable thought this end to problem Tibetan case before UN. Thus far seemed preferable India take lead this matter UN. Representatives GOI had repeatedly assured us it intended do so. Now appears views B. N. Rau and other Indian officials who do not wish India make any move in present world context which might offend Communist China have prevailed and GOI continues postpone taking initiative re Tibet in UN. Seems likely Communist China will have taken over Lhasa and have fastened firmly its grip on Tibet before GOI prepared take lead in UN. We seem faced with choice supporting some power other than India taking initiative or of continuing postpone hearing Tibetan pleas until autonomous Tibet ceases exist. We are wondering whether this would be to credit UN. Is it logical for UN which gave Indonesia which was under Dutch sovereignty hearing to ignore Tibet? Will India, for instance, have greater respect for UN if merely out of deference to it, UN gives Tibet no opportunity present case? We do not feel qualified make any fast recommendations because we are not acquainted with all ramifications international situation this particular moment. Nevertheless, we suggest Tibetan question be reviewed before substantive reply is made to letter from Tibetan delegation (Embtels 1554, December 26, 1557 December 27). Pending instructions from Department re character this reply, we are acknowledging letter stating we have telegraphed contents Washington.