795.00/7–1950: Telegram
The Ambassador in the Soviet Union (Kirk) to the Secretary of State
priority
[Received July 19—9:29 a. m.]
166. Published exchange letters Nehru Stalin obviously contribute nothing to peaceful solution Korean crisis. On contrary Nehru’s July 13 appeal omitted any reference to Security Council resolutions as framework solution. Stalin was thus given excellent opportunity confuse issue by concentrating on question seating Chinese Commies which he has done. Similarly Nehru’s acknowledgement of July 16, in characterizing Stalin’s reply as “encouraging” tends to play Stalin’s game.
[Page 427]Embassy welcomes Secretary’s reply to Nehru (Deptel 52, July 17)1 and believes this exposition of US attitude re Korea and Chinese Commie admission UN is clear and should go far to demonstrate spuriousness Soviet maneuver.
Nehru’s attitude towards prior compliance with SC resolutions as set forth Deptel 51, July 172 and his consequent omission any mention thereof in messages to Stalin seems clearly to have raised important doubt as to India’s firmness of resolve in adhering to position it originally took. Soviets mil manifestly obtain considerable comfort therefrom. Accordingly it is to be hoped that Nehru will restore India’s stature by some firm reiteration India’s support SC stand possibly in subsequent message he says he intends address Stalin.
Assuming that Nehru’s appeals to Stalin and the Secretary were prompted by a sincere desire to assist in reaching a solution of Korean situation (and not by determination of a leading Asian power to take advantage of the situation to seat another Asian power in UN) Embassy feels that thus far appeal has led nowhere, Stalin has neatly seized initiative to exploit it by focussing attention on Chinese Commie seating, and India has given damaging impression of a change in her attitude of support of UNSC action.
Department pass Delhi, London. Repeated info Delhi 17, London 56.