Foreign Relations of the United States, 1952–1954, China and Japan, Volume XIV, Part 1

293.1111/12–452: Telegram

No. 60
The Ambassador in the United Kingdom (Gifford) to the Department of State¹

secret

London, December 4, 1952—7 p.m.

3139. Deptel 3663 Dec 1 rptd New Delhi 1608, Ottawa 116, Hong Kong 2036.² Lamb reports he talked Nov 29 with Raghavan, who said he considering how he could help foreign nationals, but has reached no definite conclusion. He thinking of making separate informal approaches on behalf Commonwealth and US nationals. Lamb responded anything Raghavan could do would be welcomed.

After reporting above, Lamb suggested he be authorized, in any event, to address further note to Chi Commies on behalf foreign nationals, expressing concern US and UK govts. In view his recommendations and Dept’s reftel, of which FonOff informed, believe FonOff will shortly instruct Lamb proceed with representations, with such support as Raghavan can be persuaded to give.³

Gifford

1. Repeated for information to New Delhi, Ottawa, and Hong Kong.
2. This telegram instructed the Embassy to inform the Foreign Office that the Department believed it desirable, since it appeared that Indian action on behalf of foreign nationals in China would be long delayed, for Lamb to go ahead with a humanitarian appeal, informing Raghavan of his intentions, in order to give the latter the opportunity to suggest similar action to the Indian Government. (293.1111/12–152)
3. Telegram 3437 from London, Dec. 19, reported that the British Chargé in Peking had submitted a note on Dec. 17 appealing on behalf of British Commonwealth and U.S. nationals. Raghavan had seen the draft and had concurred in its terms but had not undertaken to make a supporting approach. (293.1111/12–1952)