357.AD/9–2950: Telegram
The Ambassador in India (Henderson) to the Secretary of State
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[Received September 29—2:01 p. m.]
803. 1. Nye, UK HICOM informed me noon today of latest developments in correspondence and conversations between UK and India re Korea (Embtel 791, September 28).
2. I shall not furnish in detail what Nye said since I understand British are keeping Department fully informed. Nye gave Bajpai last evening message from Bevin in reply to Nehru’s message to Bevin of preceding day. In this note Bevin expressed doubt Peking would be so foolish as to intervene in Korea at this stage and pointed out unless UN forces entered North Korea there seemed to be no way to effect unification of Korea. He also expressed hope Nehru would agree to and co-sponsor proposed British resolution, including passage relating to crossing 38th parallel. Later in evening Nye received reply from Nehru which he forwarded to Bevin with copy for Washington. This reply, though couched in friendly terms, indicated determination Nehru not to support at this time any move calling for crossing 38th parallel by UN forces. Nehru took position that it would be dangerous to assume that Peking leaders were bluffing when they intimated Communist China might intervene in Korean situation. He agreed to support resolution similar to that proposed by British provided it did not sanction entrance UN forces into North Korea. Note indicated that appeal to North Korea to cooperate with UN in carrying out purposes of resolution would not be appeasement and pointed out that if North Korea refused decision could then be made as to future course of action.
3. I called on Bajpai shortly after Nye’s visit in order at his request to discuss another matter. Following this discussion Bajpai asked me whether I had anything to add to our conversations set forth in Embtel 788, September 27. I replied I had received nothing from Department which would permit me to discuss this matter further. I understood that British were taking lead in formulating resolution on Korea for GA and that it was my impression Department preferred that discussion with India re this resolution be conducted through British channels. Bajpai said that he had similar impression and then outlined conversations which had taken place between UK and India in Delhi during last two days. He showed me Nehru’s latest reply to Bevin, asked if I had any comments, I replied in negative pointing out that I already, on personal basis, discussed matter with him on September 27 and it seemed to me that it was preferable without further [Page 824] instructions for me to allow conversations on this subject to continue through British channels.