150.93/12–2247: Telegram
The Acting Secretary of State to the Chargé in India (Donovan)
812. No objection issuance visas members (urtel 1146 Dec 22) Tibetan Trade Mission. Should they bear Chinese official passports designating them officials proceeding on official mission you may issue 3 (1) visas. If they do not present Chinese passports it would seem appropriate particularly in view their intention visit Nanking Shanghai (Calcutta’s Dec 24 midnight12) inquire whether they intend apply therefor. If they evince unwillingness do so you may then your discretion grant 3 (2) visitors visas on Form 257.
Should you issue visas on Form 257 you may in any further discussion subject with Chinese colleague point out this is standard procedure cases where applicant presents passport of Govt US does not recognize. Should turn conversation make such comment appropriate no objection your stating you understand US Govt has never questioned Chinese sovereignty over Tibet. (Sent New Delhi as 812. Repeated Calcutta as 279, Nanking as 1573 and Shanghai as 2201.) Dept neither desires you put pressure Tibetans to subordinate themselves Chinese authorities nor that this Trade Mission become issue between US and China.
- Telegram No. 340, not printed.↩