795.00/9–2850: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Acting Secretary of State
priority
[Received September 28—4:55 a. m.]
Secto 57. Personal for Webb from Rusk. Dening (UK) read to me tonight two telegrams from UK HICOM Delhi containing messages from Nehru to Bevin on Korea situation and, more particularly, on strong views expressed to Pannikar by Peiping authorities on present situation.
Chief of Staff, Chinese Communist Army expressed great bitterness to Pannikar about refusal UN to admit Peiping and about unyielding US attitude on Chinese seat. Pannikar quoted Chou En-lai as saying that since UN seemed to recognize no obligation to China, China had no obligation to UN. Communist Chief of Staff stated in strong language that China would not accept US aggression without resistance, making specific reference to bombings of China by US planes.1
Chief of Staff stated that repetition such bombings by US planes, active support being given by US to CKS, attitude on UN membership had convinced Peiping that US attack on China is imminent and that Chinese must act accordingly. Pannikar got strong impression that Chinese intervention in Korea had become much more probable. Also obvious that Nehru has been strongly impressed by Chinese attitude and that he thinks present situation very serious. Nehru thus unwilling to sponsor UK resolution on Korea and urges no action beyond 38 since this might touch off more general hostilities.
Bevin has replied stating British view that Chinese attitude is predictable reaction to disappointment on UN seat, that India is probably being subjected to war of nerves and that British estimate is that Chinese intervention in Korea would be basically contrary to Chinese interests and not likely to occur.
Emphasis placed by Chinese on bombing incidents raises question whether we should not try to reassure India and Peiping by seeking [Page 798] basis settlement of any legitimate claims Peiping may have as result such incidents. We know that at least two US planes did in fact unintentionally attack targets in China in connection with Korean operations. Merchant can supply details.
When this Chinese charge came before UN Security Council, we stated such incidents might have occurred and proposed that commission of India and Sweden be established by SC to investigate and determine any damages for which we should be responsible. Soviets vetoed our resolution.2
I have discussed this situation with Secretary and Jessup. Secretary believes we should authorize Bevin to send message to Nehru along lines indicated below, as follow-up on position we took in UN, but believes you should clear such action with President earliest opportunity. Purpose would be to deprive Peiping of such genuine complaint as they might have, of any pretext for any moves they might be considering, and of at least one element of pressure on India. Believe effect on India would be good if no effect on Peiping. Substance of proposed message from Bevin to Nehru follows:
We have discussed with Americans the question of the accidental bombing of Chinese territory by US planes. The Americans are surprised and concerned that this should appear to be a major source of friction since a procedure by which the matter could be handled was vetoed in the Security Council by the Soviet Union. In any event, the Americans would be the first to regret such unintentional damage and continue to be agreeable to having the matter investigated and any damage assessed by competent neutral judgment. Mr. Acheson has authorized me to inform you that the Americans are quite willing to have a representative of India and of Sweden look into the charges and assess any damages which it should be found the Americans should pay. They do not insist upon UN machinery and would accept an informal arrangement on the side. I send you this information in the event you think it might help to remove an unnecessary point of irritation.”
Please telephone me USUN as soon as you have President’s views.3 [Rusk.]
- See footnote 1 to the memorandum of conversation by Merchant, September 27, p. 793.↩
- At the 501st meeting of the U.N. Security Council on September 12; for the record, see U.N. document S/PV.501.↩
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For the text of the proposed message as handed to Mr. Bevin by Mr. Acheson, see the enclosure to the annex to the memorandum of conversation dated September 28 by Battle on “Alarmist Reports on Korea”, p. 812.
A manuscript note dated September 28, presumably written by Troy L. Perkins, Deputy Director of the Office of Chinese Affairs, on the file copy of telegram Secto 57 read as follows:
“Proposed message from Bevin taken up with President by Under Secretary. Cleared by Pres. & given to British, who agreed and sent the message.”
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