795.00/2–1751: Telegram
The Ambassador in India (Henderson) to the Secretary of State
priority
2158. 1. During conversation with Bajpai today he asked how my government was thinking regarding Korea. I outlined substance several Department’s recent telegrams this subject. Bajpai said it seemed tragic that useless fighting should continue Korea resulting loss of lives not only of combatants but civilians and in gradual total destruction Korean economy. He had been wondering whether time might not arrive near future again approach Peiping with cease-fire proposals similar those contained resolution accepted by US and passed by UN some weeks ago. Although Peiping had insisted changes these original proposals, situation had since altered. Apparently Communists had discovered not so easy drive UN forces out of Korea as they had thought early in January. Did I think US might again be [Page 184] willing accept original resolution embodying principles to which it had agreed previously.
2. Told Bajpai could not answer his question. US public opinion had hardened considerably last six weeks. There was growing conviction UN could not afford, after losses incurred to maintain its principles, to consent cease-fire which in any way might weaken its authority. It was not necessary for me tell him that no country was more anxious for termination hostilities than US and that US would certainly agree to cease-fire which would give promise to establishment unified Korea without commitments likely encourage future aggression. I would look over such telegrams received lately from Washington and within next few days might talk with him again.
3. Bajpai said his remarks were entirely personal and made without prior discussion with Nehru. They were for me not my government; nevertheless, if I should have additional ideas we might have further talk. Meantime, he would have chat with Prime Minister who is returning Delhi tomorrow.
4. During conversation Bajpai told me confidence that some time ago Pearson had asked Rau if Government of India could ascertain whether Peiping would be willing receive emissary from Entezam’s Committee. Peiping’s reply had been of somewhat negative character. Nevertheless, Bajpai not convinced Peiping entirely “unapproachable”.