Foreign Relations of the United States, 1949, The Far East and Australasia, Volume VII, Part 2

890.20/7–2349: Telegram

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

New Delhi, July 23, 1949—11 a. m.

833. Bajpai,¹ External Affairs, tells me that:

1. Several days ago Philippine Ambassador Elizalde approached Madame Pandit² telling her his government instructed him inquire whether GOI³ would be prepared enter discussions with Philippine Govt re recent Philippine-Chinese anti-Commie pact and re possibility GOI associating itself with other Asian countries in coordinating endeavor halt march Communism in Asia.

2. GOI instructed Madame Pandit inform Elizalde to effect that although GOI usually ready discuss any international matters with Philippine Govt, it believes would be unwise so soon after announcement Philippine-Chinese pact to enter discussions which might create impression that Asian powers were ganging up against Soviet Union.

3. When Madame Pandit gave this message Elizalde, he said he had expected reply this character, in fact he had been given to understand US Govt had feelings similar to that of GOI.

Henderson

1. Sir Girja Shankar Bajpai, Secretary-General of the Indian Ministry of External Affairs.
2. Mme. Vijaya Lakshmi Pandit, Indian Ambassador in the United States.
3. Government of India.