794A.00/7–950: Telegram
The Ambassador in India (Henderson) to the Secretary of State
47. 1. At request Bajpai, SYG MEA, I called on him July 9. He read aloud excerpts from telegram just received from Pannikar, [Page 372] Indian Ambassador to China. Following is summary of excerpts as I recall them:
- (a)
- Pannikar had been given for delivery to GOI copy of Chou En-lai’s message to SC accusing US of aggression re Formosa.1 He was of opinion that this message had been sent (1) in order clearly to separate developments in Korea from US action re Formosa and (2) to place SC in unfavorable light in world opinion since SC would be sure to reject Communist China complaint.
- (b)
- He now had impression that Communist China was preparing for attack on Formosa in immediate future even though such attack would involve war with US.
- (c)
- In his opinion problem of Formosa represented most dangerous world war threat. China by invoking Sino-Russian treaty could demand Soviet assistance against US.
- (d)
- At dinner on preceding evening in Soviet Embassy Soviet Ambassador2 had toasted to early liberation of Formosa.
- (e)
- Soviet Ambassador had told Pannikar that neutral attitude and indifference of most Asian powers towards events in Korea had practically isolated US in its attack on Koreans.
2. Bajpai said GOI was deeply disturbed at prospect of war breaking out between US and Communist China over Formosa and hoped something can be done to avoid it. He read excerpt from telegram just sent to Pannikar asking latter stress to Chinese Communist Government necessity of exercising restraint at this particular time pointing out that lack of restraint migh precipitate world war.
3. Bajpai said he hoped US Government could find some way alleviating strain between US Government and Communist China. War between US and China which Russia now seemed to desire would strengthen Russia vis-à-vis US in Europe and elsewhere. He hoped that for sake of public opinion US could issue public statement on Formosa stressing it had no territorial or other ambitions re this island; that its decision not to permit further fighting to take place between Nationalist forces in Formosa and Chinese Communists on mainland was of only temporary nature and had been prompted merely in order to prevent diversion of efforts halt aggression in Korea, etc.
4. Bajpai said that he wished US would be able issue some encouraging statements re fighting in Korea. Practically all news from Korea seemed to be of discouraging nature and was having considerable effect on Indian public. Information to press explaining current difficulties and expressing confidence in future would be helpful.
5. I agreed with Bajpai’s statements set forth in (4) above. Among many Asians success is more effective argument than logic and there is danger that unless some reassurance can be given from high US [Page 373] sources of ultimate outcome of conflict, sentiment will develop in India that GOI has chosen wrong side.