893.01/12–1949: Telegram
The Ambassador in India (Henderson) to the Secretary of State
[Received December 19—2:56 p. m.]
1575. 1. Menon, Secretary in charge External Affairs, sent for me this afternoon in order to inform me in confidence that GOI intends | recognize Communist China on December 30. He assumed US Government is already aware UK intends extend recognition January 2.
2. Menon said Nehru had requested him express hope that US Government would not take amiss such early recognition on part GOI. In view its geographical position, GOI felt it could not wait longer to establish relations with the regime controlling so close a neighbor. GOI hoped use its relations prevent Chinese Communists from passing completely Moscow domination.
3. I said that our position re recognition had already been clarified by Secretary of State. We had no desire or intention, however, impose our views on other countries and I was sure that my Government would take position India must make its own decision re matters this kind.