330/7–1150: Telegram
The Ambassador in India (Henderson) to the Secretary of State
priority
[Received July 12—5:27 a. m.]
67. 1. I am somewhat concerned lest I find myself becoming gradually involved in a GOI effort of intermediation (see Embtel 65).1 I have impressed on Bajpai that my comments to him were based on such background as I have and should not be considered as official answers to Chinese Communists statements to Pannikar or to his statements to me. Our conversations have been of an extremely personal character and should be considered as such. It might interfere with future conversations if what he says should be quoted to other Indian officials and should find their way perhaps in garbled manner back to MEA. I have outlined in utmost confidence portion of our talk to Canadian HICOM2 who is deeply interested and whom Bajpai has also approached re his government’s attitude towards admission Communist China and plan also to discuss matter briefly with Roberts, acting UK HICOM. It seems advisable for us to keep in close friendly touch with these two missions.
[Page 368]2. I hope Department will indicate at once if it does not approve what I have done so far. If it believes that it would be wiser in future for me to pass on further approaches by GOI without so much comment, I would be grateful if it would so inform me. One reason for my frankness in talking with Bajpai has been my belief that by doing so without committing my Government I am keeping open certain channels of information which might be useful to US.3