693.95/1–2551: Telegram
The Ambassador in India (Henderson) to the Secretary of State
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1817. 1. During my conversation with Bajpai yesterday he seemed reserved about letting me have whole story re recent communications exchanged between Delhi and Peking. I therefore did [not?] undertake press him. He did not indicate that GOI had received any messages from Panikkar setting forth Chinese conditions for cease-fire other than that referred to in paragraph one Embtel 1813, January 24. I had assumed therefore that message represented Peking reply to questions put to it by GOI.
2. From Canadian HICOM I obtained following information this morning:
On January 18, Canadian Prime Minister sent message direct to Nehru in Europe1 asking him endeavor obtain clarification from Peking re three points. Simultaneously Attlee asked UK Chargé in Peking obtain clarification of two of these points. Nehru sent message through MEA New Delhi to Panikkar requesting replies to Canadian questions. Apparently Panikkar and UK Chargé received similar letters from Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs answering all three questions. Panikkar instead of replying New Delhi sent reply to London and Rau in Lake Success without sending copy to New Delhi. UK Chargé sent copy reply to Attlee with request message be repeated to Canadian Prime Minister. GOI in Delhi in meantime at loss understand why no reply from Panikkar and how Rau should be in receipt reply to questions. Additional telegrams were sent Panikkar and telegram from him referred to in Embtel 1813 was his reply thereto. In meantime GOI had received copy original reply either from London or Lake Success.
3. It would seem from above that Chinese reply was addressed in writing both to Panikkar and UK Chargé (Deptel 1143, January 23).2
[Page 130]4. Canadian HICOM read to me text Chinese reply. It opened with statement of appreciation, interest displayed by Prime Ministers of India and Canada in promoting peace. Replies to questions seemed to be identical with those quoted by Rau before Political Committee. If Department unable obtain from Canada who have full text reply, please inform me and I shall endeavor obtain copy from Canadian HICOM.
5. Interesting feature from Delhi point view this exchange is that although we have had several conversations during recent days with UK and Canada re FE situation neither mentioned exchange was in process at time both HICOMs were in constant touch with GOI with regard to exchange.