793B.00/4–1950: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Embassy in India
380. Tsepon Shakabpa1 has written Amer whose former US Govt connections well known to Tibetans, in letter seen by Dept Rep, that [Page 331] although decision not yet made he may be sent Hong Kong thence Peiping to negotiate re Tibet with Chi Commies.
Almost simultaneously Dept informed by member law firm which represented Tibetan trade mission US that he has recd word from his clients that Tibetans about to go Moscow see what they can do there, having more or less given up hope getting effective support from West.
Dept wld appreciate ur comments re significance this info and ur suggestions steps which we shld take if you believe action our part desirable.
These msgs seem explicable either as effort speed up action Tibetan requests for assistance or as bona fide intention by Tibetans negotiate with Commies, or both. Dept wld not wish Tibetans misinterpret our failure accede their requests as disinterest or lack sympathy their predicament or difficulties. As you aware a primary consideration has been our belief active or overt interest non-Communist countries Tibet at this time wld tend hasten or provoke Chi Communist action against area whereas, in absence such action, cost full-scale Commie mil expedition against Tibet in face geographic and logistic difficulties might lead indefinite delay Commie mil action, particularly, if Tibetan mil capacity resist quietly strengthened. Owing to its geographic location and close relationship Tibet, India in best position carry out measures this nature; hence Dept following with interest reports GOI making some effort supply mil matériel Tibetans. Dept hopes you will feel free whenever suitable opportunities arise convey Tibetans on personal informal basis as much foregoing as you consider desirable.
For ur info Dept contemplates discussing Tibetan situation with Brit during forthcoming Fon Mins mtg2 along lines outlined above pointing out that geographic and traditional relationships make Tibet primarily area of Brit and Indian responsibility in which Brit shld assume responsibility aiding encouraging covert Indian assistance Tibet and ascertaining extent which India providing and will provide assistance.
- Leader of the Tibetan Trade Mission which visited the United States in 1048; for related documentation, see Foreign Relations, 1948, vol. vii, pp. 755 ff.↩
- See the editorial note under date of May 11, p. 339.↩