Foreign Relations of the United States, 1951, Korea and China, Volume VII, Part 2

493.009/5–2451: Telegram

The Ambassador in the United Kingdom (Gifford) to the Secretary of State

secret

London, May 24, 1951—7 p. m.

6138. Tel from Brit rep Peiping¹ to FonOff reports substance conversation Panikkar² reported he had May 22 with CPG Vice FonMin. Chang accused UK of being double-faced in supporting UN embargo. Chang ignored Panikkar’s retort CPG attitude had not been helpful in promotion friendly relations with UK. Panikkar expressed hope CPG wld not retaliate by promoting difficulties in Hong Kong such as strikes or civil disturbances. Chang replied CPG might have to impose sanctions (perhaps he had in mind seizure Shell property or was contemplating additional sanctions) but that he had no desire to see Hong Kong other than prosperous. Chang added govt Hong Kong obviously more worried than he.

Lamb unable assess meaning this rather cryptic conversation, unless CPG intended for time being exercise moderation re Hong Kong.

Gifford

1. Sir Lionel Henry Lamb was British Chargé d’Affaires at Peking.
2. K. M. Panikkar, Indian Ambassador to the People’s Republic of China.