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Memorandum of a Telephone Conversation, by the Assistant Secretary of State for United Nations Affairs (Hickerson)
Subject: Nehru’s Message to Rau
Ambassador Gross telephoned me at 11:15 this morning and gave me the following summary of a message from Nehru to Sir B. N. Rau at New York. This is based on a telephone conversation between Rau and Gross.
The Prime Minister says there is great anxiety about recent developments, President Truman’s mention use of the atomic bomb. The Prime Minister is most anxious to help in any effort to avoid war. The Prime Minister feels that the best procedure would be for representatives of the great powers to meet and to attempt to stop the rapid progressive deterioration. But even a temporary solution must now be quickly sought. Any such discussion must include “China” (note by Ambassador Gross: Rau made clear that this referred to Peiping).
Nehru believes that steps should be taken for a cease-fire as soon as possible followed by the demarcation of a demilitarized zone. At this time the Prime Minister thinks it is essential to have a frank approach which must be aimed at peace. If we can obtain a cease-fire followed by a demarcation of a demilitarized zone the whole question of a settlement in Korea and later of Formosa can be negotiated. Nehru is convinced that unless the question of Formosa can be disposed of along the lines of the Cairo declaration there is no hope for lasting peace in Asia.
Nehru wants to make clear he is not condoning Chinese intervention in Korea but it is necessary to face reality. The Prime Minister thinks the Chinese feel the United States has aggressive designs against them and makes special reference to “non-recognition” policy. (Rau did not read to Gross Nehru’s comment regarding this point.)
Nehru believes that it is a matter of absolute necessity to avoid use of the atomic bomb. Such use would make war inevitable. There is a wide-spread feeling in Asia that the atomic bomb is a weapon used only against Asiatics.
[Page 1335]Nehru will make a statement of “some sort” tomorrow in the Indian parliament. Rau is not sure of the nature of the statement.