793.00/9–150: Telegram
The Ambassador in India (Henderson) to the Secretary of State
524. 1. Bajpai SYG MEA told me August 31 that telegram had been received from Panikkar stating Peking authorities had approached [Page 477] him re alleged bombing by UN forces two Chinese border towns. I obtained impression from Bajpai’s remarks that Peking desired GOI support in SC for resolution condemning such action by UN forces and calling for compensation for damage done.
2. Bajpai said GOI had sent Panikkar telegram containing aide mémoire to be handed Peking authorities. Bajpai read aloud excerpts from this aide-mémoire. Among points made as I recall were following:
- (a)
- If Peking would cease carrying on such extreme anti-US propaganda some of its approaches to UN might be received more sympathetically.
- (b)
- Peking would also gain in world opinion if it would cease making threats to take military action against Formosa and Tibet. It would be particularly advantageous to Peking if it could make “harmonious adjustment of legitimate Tibetan claims to autonomy in framework of Chinese sovereignty”.
3. Bajpai said he thought it would be helpful if appropriate spokesmen for UN forces would issue statement to effect that if Chinese towns had been bombed action was unintentional and regretted and after investigation compensation would be forthcoming.
4. Bajpai indicated GOI might vigorously participate in effort seat Peking in coming GA.