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  4. Document 393

393. Telegram From the Delegation to the U.N. General Assembly to the Department of State 0

New York, October 8, 1959, 9 p.m.

Delga 137. Re: Tibet.

1.
Thondup1 and two other Tibetans accompanied by Gross2 called on Lodge at Waldorf. Thondup made effective plea for Tibetan cause, emphasizing particularly independence theme. Although aware of practical problems involved in any UN consideration of Tibet involving independence, he questioned US repeatedly as to whether action on human rights basis would in some way affect adversely cause of Tibetan independence. He clearly continued hope GA might address itself to question of Tibetan independence.
2.
Lodge told him any move in GA on this basis would not be prudent in view of preoccupations and attitudes of majority in GA. We also reassured him that consideration of violations of human rights in Tibet would in no way adversely affect broader Tibetan aspirations. Lodge [Page 791] also noted difficulties for other dels if precedent set re Tibet which might later be cited in other cases adversely.
3.
Thondup stressed his great confidence in American people and government and expressed hope that whatever happened in UN would be of character to encourage and not discourage Tibetan people. He urged us to speak, support, and use our good offices in behalf of Tibetan cause.
4.
Lodge promised complete support and cooperation but noted obvious reasons why it was tactically wise for U.S. remain in background where it would work hard to achieve support for resolution.
5.
Gross explained Thondup had arrived with instructions: (I) to raise question of independence which Tibetans refer to as “international position” of Tibet; and (II) to obtain invitation for Dalai Lama to appear. Gross said Thondup now fully understood reasons why both these points could not be achieved. Thondup was therefore prepared to take position Dalai Lama was of course ready to come if GA wished and invited him to do so, but he was in no way pressing to appear.
6.
Lodge noted importance of maintaining dignity of Dalai Lama and urged he be protected and kept above battle. Thondup agreed. He referred to advice he had been given by Irish and Malayans on this point and repeated he intended take line making clear Dalai Lama was in no sense seeking appearance before UN.3
7.
Thondup returned to point that concentration upon human rights might in some way prejudice cause of Tibetan independence which seemed worry him considerably. Lodge pointed out that effort to obtain UN action on independence would fail and would then be exploited by ChiComs, whereas res expressing sympathy with Tibetan people on human rights grounds, no matter how moderately it might be worded, could be used by Tibetans as evidence of UN interest and support for people of Tibet.
8.
Thondup plans see number of other dels with whom appointments are being arranged, both by Malayans and, in some cases, by Gross. Lodge emphasized our desire to be as helpful as possible and indicated he was ready see Thondup at any time to give him whatever advice and assistance he might wish.
9.
At close of conversation Thondup showed us text of prepared statement for press conference which he expected to follow by question and answer period. In separate conversation after meeting with Gross we noted difficulty presented by reference to UN machinery for mediation and conciliation in statement. Gross said he had shaped statement as best he could and there was no possibility of any further revision.
10.
From our conversation we believe Thondup understands UN situation and has no intention to press question of hearing for Dalai Lama. Because of his unfamiliarity with UN procedures and authority he remains confused about relationship of Irish-Malayan initiative to Tibetans’ own long-range objectives.
11.
Thondup makes extremely favorable impression and is excellent spokesman for Tibetan cause. We were struck by his deep sincerity and by his strong desire to do whatever circumstances here seem to require in best interests of Tibetan people. He recognizes importance of not seeking action on basis which would fail to receive necessary support and which could then be exploited by ChiComs and others against Tibetans.
Lodge
  1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 793B.00/10–859. Secret.↩
  2. The Dalai Lama’s brother, Gyalo Thondup, was heading a Tibetan Delegation in New York m support of the Tibetan appeal to the United Nations.↩
  3. Ernest A. Gross, a former Department of State Legal Adviser (1947–1949) and alternate delegate to the 3d, 5th, and 6th U.N. General Assemblies, had been engaged as an attorney by the Tibetans.↩

  4. Telegram 322 to USUN, October 7, a message from Herter to Lodge, reiterated previous instructions to Lodge concerning this possibility. It reads in part: “I do not believe, in light of way things have developed, it feasible for US to press hearing of Dalai Lama. However, I believe it remains important that this judgment be arrived at by Tibetans themselves. Therefore, this should be handled tactically in such way so that Tibetans arrive at this judgment as result their consultations with others.” (Department of State, Central Files, 793B.00/10–759)

    Delga 124 from USUN, October 6, reported on the Tibetan Delegation’s conversations with a number of representatives at the United Nations. (Ibid., 793B.00/10–659) Both documents are in the Supplement.

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