793.00/10–2150: Telegram
The Ambassador in India (Henderson) to the Secretary of State
[Received October 21—1:59 p. m.]
963. Embassy officer has been given information by UK HICOM officer and shown telegrams sent to Foreign Office London covering recent conversations with Bajpai re China, particularly various reports of Chinese Communists military moves against Tibet.1 This information indicated that Bajpai had expressed great indignation that CPR authorities, after GOI had gone to such lengths not only to prove India’s friendly feelings for China but to expose their cause in UN and before world, should completely mislead GOI re CPR intentions in matter of 38th parallel. GOI had acted in good faith in matter toward other friendly nations only to be placed in invidious position of cats paw for Soviet-CPR maneuvers. Bajpai intimated that CPR statements had led GOI to take attitude toward UN action on 38th parallel and Korean Commission that it would not have taken had it doubted CPR statements or not been so informed by CPR.
Bajpai went on to say if CPR, after such conduct, should now invade Tibet or resort to brazen pressure tactics to force Tibet submission (after assurance GOI its desire for peaceful settlement) that GOI would be constrained to make most forceful representations.
[Page 987]UK HICOM officer stated that Menon, Foreign Secretary, who tends share Panikkar views toward China, has likewise expressed himself in strong terms on CPR action in above matters.
Embassy’s British informant expressed view that Indians have had salutory experience with CPR which he thought might considerably influence GOI attitude in future where CPR involved.
- Armed forces of the People’s Republic of China entered Tibet on October 7, but no announcement was made from Peking until October 25; for related documentation, see vol. vi, pp. 256 ff.↩