793B.00/10–1151: Telegram
The Consul General at Calcutta (Wilson) to the Secretary of State
top secret
Calcutta, October
11, 1951—2 p. m.
192. Just returned from brief visit Kalimpong during which I discussed Tib situation with Shakabpa, [name deleted], Sonam (Indian trade agent Yatung) and others. Fol is summary of conversations:
- (1)
- According latest reports from Lhasa, Natl Assembly is still considering Sino-Tib agreement and consultations of Dalai Lama with Assembly, principal monasteries, and high officials may continue another two weeks;
- (2)
- Little info available as to probable decision of Tib Govt although sources pessimistic re possibility Dalai Lama may leave Tib or denounce agreement;
- (3)
- Shakabpa and [name deleted] estimate number Chi troops now in Lhasa as between one and two thousand while Sonam estimates between five and six hundred;
- (4)
- Tibs’ lack of confidence in GOI, already aggravated by absence favorable developments re wool exports, has been increased by irregularities in distribution of Indian cotton piecegoods to Tibet;
- (5)
- . . . .
Details by desp.1
Sent Dept 192; rptd info New Delhi 164.
Wilson
- Despatch 170 from Calcutta, October 13, not printed.↩