693.93B/10–1350: Telegram
The Ambassador in India (Henderson) to the Secretary of State
priority
918. 1. I asked Bajpai today whether GOI had confirmation re new reports of Communist Chinese invasion of Tibet. He replied in negative adding that he had yesterday despatched strong telegram to Panikkar, GOI Ambassador in Peiping, on subject. With utmost secrecy he read to me text this telegram.
2. He asked Panikkar again to inquire whether reports of Chinese invasion had any substance and when so doing indicate earnest hope GOI that Chinese would show restraint and patience in dealing with Tibet and would not be hasty in resorting to violence. Panikkar was also informed that if Communist China should indicate that it had already invaded Tibet or that it was planning to do so GOI would be compelled follow up his representation with still stronger approach. It would be pointed out to Peiping that GOI had endeavored to befriend it; that in trying to obtain admission for it in UN, to support it re Formosa, and to assure that it would have appropriate voice in settlement Korea, GOI had aroused displeasure of certain other members UN; that GOI for many years had maintained friendly relations with autonomous Tibet; that it believed it was not unduly interfering in Chinese affairs in suggesting that effecting change in status of Tibet by armed force would not be in interests of international position of China or in that of friendship between China and India for which GOI fervently hoped. Charges that great powers were bringing influence to bear on Tibet were senseless. GOI was only power which maintained representation. At present time there were no British or Americans in Lhasa.
3. Bajpai also read to me memo on subject to Nehru in which he suggested with considerable heat that if it were true that China should now invade Tibet it should be regarded as sign of indifference of Indian sensibilities and lack of appreciation of India’s efforts on China’s behalf. After India had aroused irritation in US and other countries by supporting China with regard to Formosa, Korea and entrance into UN, and after it had conveyed to world China’s insistence [Page 532] that China would intervene in Korea in case US forces should enter North Korea it would be ironical if China instead of intervening in Korea should now invade Tibet.
4. I hope info in this telegram will be closely guarded since leak would cause grave embarrassment.