330/12–350: Telegram
The Ambassador in India (Henderson) to the Secretary of State
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[Received December 3—8:33 a. m.]
1384. 1. In pursuance Depcirtel 221, December 1, 6 p. m., I called on Bajpai today. During our conversation I followed in general line laid down in that circular and said we would appreciate any views which GOI may have to offer as to our proposed move in UN.
2. Bajpai said that in GOI’s opinion matter of further moves in UN re Communist China intervention in Korea should be postponed until after Attlee had had opportunity for full discussions in Washington. During protracted conversation which followed it became clear to me that:
- (a)
- GOI hoping Attlee can use combined influence of various members Commonwealth and of other like minded powers in prevailing on US to agree to some kind of cease fire pending discussions either in or out of UN which would result in admission Communist China to UN, settlement Formosa problem in manner which would be at least acceptable to Communist China, settlement Korean problem in way which would save Communist China’s face without sacrificing independence Korea et cetera.
- (b)
- GOI desiring to avoid casting blame on Communist China for intervening in Korea so long as Communist China is deprived of what GOI considers its rightful place in UN.
3. I remarked to Bajpai that so far as I knew no responsible GOI leader has thus far indicated that Communist China had committed a reprehensible act by intervening in Korea and asked whether GOI was of opinion Communist China was committing aggression. Bajpai evaded reply. He indicated it would serve no purpose to formulate opinions of this kind. Problem was to work for peaceful settlement. He then explained at great length reasons why it was only logical that Chinese Communists should show their resentment at what they considered their unfair treatment from US by attacking UN forces in Korea. He said he wished to emphasize in explaining Chinese position that he was not defending it.
[Page 1323]4. I shall not burden Department with description our exchanges. I tried to impress upon him that failure free world to present solid front in condemning Chinese aggression was likely to encourage aggressors and increase dangers to world peace.