893.01/10–1849: Telegram
The Chargé in India (Donovan) to the Secretary of State
[Received October 19—7:51 a. m.]
1255. Percy Wood, Delhi correspondent Chicago Tribune, called Embassy October 17 stating Colonel McCormick33 of Chicago Tribune had telegraphed him he had received information from Chinese source (former mayor Shanghai) that British Government was pressing GOI to recognize China promptly. I told Wood we had no information which would substantiate such statement.
Wood saw K.P.S. Menon34 later same day and asked Menon if British were putting pressure on India to recognize Communist Government China. Menon replied that he could not say that British were exercising pressure; that British were keeping GOI fully informed their policy; and that he (Menon) was sure British hoped India would take action consonant with, and simultaneous to, British this question. Menon added that in view British economic position China he felt British policy tended towards early recognition and that naturally Britain would like to have as many countries as possible follow Britain.
[Page 134]Deptel 712, October 14.35 Recall of Indian Ambassador from China requires no comment from Embassy as there is nothing unusual this action.
Regarding Nehru’s exchange messages Mme. Sun Yat-sen, nothing known by either Embassy or UK High Commissioner. In this connection Roberts, Deputy UK High Commissioner, remarked Krishna Menon was not an especially reliable source of information but Roberts does not discount possibility that Prime Minister wrote such a letter.
Regarding “favorable and friendly reply” sent by GOI to Communist Foreign Minister, Embassy does not attach undue importance that statement (Embtel 1239 October 13). See Embassy airgram 1068, October 18.36
Roberts told me today he saw no indication precipitate action by GOI recognition China. Roberts feels regarding GOI that “they are going along”. This probably means they are going along with British policy regarding recognition China before Nehru’s return and Roberts has had some information from Menon. Pannikar [Panikkar], Indian Ambassador to China, is due arrive India early November accompanied by British Ambassador to China. It was suggested to Pannikar that he stop off at Singapore and attend conference British Ambassadors, High Commissioners, et al; to which Pannikar replied that it would be useless for him to do so since he had no instructions regarding Indian policy recognition China and that he could expect no instructions until Nehru returned India. Pannikar’s reply undoubtedly included instructions other subjects to be considered by Singapore conference but Pannikar specifically mentioned question recognition China.
Sent Department, Department pass London.