893.01/11–2249
Memorandum of Conversation, by the Under Secretary of State (Webb)
| Participants: | Madame Vijaya Lakshmi Pandit, Ambassador of India |
| Mr. Webb, Under Secretary | |
| Mr. Mathews,31 SOA |
The Indian Ambassador called at her request. She handed me a note dated November 21 transmitting a memorandum32 setting forth the views of her government on the recognition of the Communist regime in China. The Ambassador explained that the message from New Delhi transmitting these views had crossed the Secretary’s appeal with respect to the Ward case.33
After reading the memorandum, I said that my Government appreciated receiving the views of the Government of India. Although 1 indicated that we should like to study the memorandum before addressing ourselves specifically to its contents, I did say that our own approach was one of an historic interest in the welfare of the Chinese people. It seemed to us that we should be sure that the Communist regime would show a real regard for the interests of the Chinese people, both internally and in its relations with the rest of the world. The Chinese Communists’ disregard of normal international practices as revealed in our experience, leads us to wonder whether they would act in the interests of the people of China. The Ambassador commented that she could appreciate our point of view.
[Here follows discussion of Indo-Pakistan matters.]
As the Ambassador was leaving I expressed my deep gratification at having had the opportunity to meet her brother, the Prime Minister, and also Sir Girja Bajpai.34
- Elbert G. Mathews, Director of the Office of South Asian Affairs.↩
- Not printed. It set forth the position of the Indian Government in favor of recognition of the peoples Republic of china, preferably before the end of December 1949 (893.01/11–2149).↩
- See circular telegram of November 18, 10 a. m., vol. viii, “Problems of United States Consulates in areas occupied by the Chinese Communists”, chapter i .↩
- Secretary General of the Indian Ministry of External Affairs.↩