Office of the Historian

793B.00/11–2050: Telegram

The Ambassador in India (Henderson) to the Secretary of State

secret
New Delhi, November 20, 1950—7 p. m.

1276. 1. Bajpai read to me today excerpts from telegram sent Rau1 November 19 re Tibet.

2. This telegram instructed Rau since no suitable member SC apparently prepared introduce resolution re Tibet he should support Salvador resolution. He was not to enter into legal niceties situation but to emphasize importance attainment peaceable solution between China and Tibet.

3. Bajpai told me Rau had telegraphed GOI that apparently no member SC desired take initiative re Tibet and therefore suggested matter be dropped in UN. GOI however could not agree to “letting Tibet down”. There had been some sentiment among various members Indian cabinet opposing GOI taking any action UN. However overwhelming majority sentiment was regardless effect on India–China relations GOI could not afford take uninterested position re Tibet.

4. Tenor telegram as read me would indicate Rau has been endeavoring prevail on GOI take no action in UN re Tibet which might dispel Soviet Union and Communist China. Apparently Rau was under impression that by not criticizing Communist China in UN re Tibet he might play more helpful role in mediating between Communist China and western powers following arrival Communist Chinese delegates in Lake Success.2

Henderson
  1. Sir Benegal N. Rati, Permanent Representative of India at the United Nations.↩
  2. See the editorial note on the U.N. Secretary Council meetings of September 28 and 29, p. 522.↩