102.22/8–849: Telegram
The Consul at Shanghai (McConaughy) to the Secretary of State
[Received August 9—12:16 a. m.]
3117. ReDeptel 1517, August 3, representation to Indian Ambassador re Sikh, participation invasion ConGen by ex-Navy employees. Pursuant instructions I called on Indian Ambassador Panikkar now in Shanghai re this matter on August 5. I left with Ambassador list of about 35 Sikhs [who] participated, names of 6 worst offenders being underscored. I told him one of Sikhs, Kundam Singh, was worse offender than any of Chinese. This man was leader of extreme element which on afternoon July 30 urged and almost persuaded entire group to barricade 6th floor ConGen building and take me prisoner. I knew Indian ConGen Shanghai was embarrassed over whole affair and both before and during siege had done what he could to dissuade Sikhs. Hence I softened my approach as much as possible and stressed my appreciation loyalty Sikhs employed by ConGen who were fully prepared defend Consular officers with their lives.
Indian Ambassador expressed great regret at Sikh involvement, mentioned in extenuation following facts:
- (1)
- Sikh local community not organized, has no recognized head and no cohesion. Most Sikhs have been here over 20 years, are married to Chinese, and consider themselves more Chinese than foreign.
- (2)
- Indian ConGen has been working continually since early June keep Sikh ex-Navy employees from taking drastic action. Indian ConGen Uppal has exposed himself to abuse and possible violence at hands Sikhs in his efforts restrain them.
- (3)
- Indian diplomatic representatives in China of course have no police power over Sikhs or anyone else.
- (4)
- Indian Government has been doing everything possible repatriate Sikhs from China, having reduced total number from 7,000 to 300 in last several years. Remainder is hard core difficult to influence.
- (5)
- Sikhs apparently entitled to some separation pay by US Navy and long delay of 3 months in making settlement increased difficulty of restraining them.
- (6)
- British Government, not Indian Government, was responsible for bringing out Sikhs from India to Shanghai. Indian Government would never have allowed Sikhs of this sort to leave India. British brought them out during extra-territorial days [to] act as policemen in furtherance British colonial interests and, if there is any responsibility along this line, British Government should shoulder it rather than Indian Government.
Did not seem fruitful pursue divergent excuses raised by Ambassador so, after pointing out considerations mentioned in Deptel and making suggestion recommended by Department re effect of disorder and lawlessness on position of all foreigners here, I thanked him and departed.
[Page 1271]Please inform Embassy New Delhi.
Sent Department, repeated Nanking 1723.