700.001/7–1750: Telegram
The Ambassador in India (Henderson) to the Secretary of State
priority
[Received July 17—3:37 p. m.]
111. 1. Leak of contents Stalin’s reply1 to Nehru re representation China in SC has appeared in several Delhi newspapers including Times of India, News Chronicle and Statesman. General effect these stories is to build up Stalin as favorable to peace move and create impression that all that was now needed was for US to acquiesce in admission Communist China into SC.
2. Bajpai told me this morning that GOI distressed at leak which apparently was result of deliberate maneuver on part Soviet Embassy in New Delhi. He said GOI regretted that this maneuver was furnishing ammunition for pro-Soviet propaganda.
3. Indian journalist who has proved to be reliable source in past informed me this morning that yesterday Soviet Embassy called in four Indian journalists known to be on its payroll, showed them Stalin’s reply, and outlined stories to be based on it.