123 Henderson, Loy W.: Telegram
The Ambassador in India (Henderson) to the Secretary of State
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[Received October 7—8:35 a. m.]
860. Embtel 842, October 6.
1. Bajpai told me noon today he had discussed with Nehru my inquiry re possibility of informal talk with Commie Chinese Ambassador and re willingness GOI to try to arrange meeting. Nehru and he had agreed that conversation this kind might be helpful and they had instructed Menon, Foreign Secretary, who is handling Chinese matter to feel out Chinese Ambassador on subject. In view of urgency matter he hoped to let me have reply shortly.
[Page 902]2. I expressed my appreciation and said it might be useful in case Ambassador should decline to talk with me to ascertain whether he would be willing to receive message from me through GOI channels. Bajpai said in his opinion GOI would be willing to do this but he thought that in first conversation with Ambassador it would be preferable not to suggest alternative to personal conversation between Ambassador and myself; otherwise Ambassador might choose alternative and not give proper consideration suggestion for face-to-face talk.