795.00/9–1850: Telegram
The Ambassador in India (Henderson) to the Secretary of State
priority
[Received September 18—3:16 a. m.]
683. Contents of Deptel 405, September 16 were communicated orally to Bajpai at noon today. His reaction appeared to be entirely favorable. He said that he would inform Pannikar immediately of [Page 734] the conversation and instruct him to express to Chinese Communist authorities the views of GOI that it was in the interests of world peace and of China that Chinese Peoples Government did not become involved in Korean hostilities.
Bajpai agreed that this expression views would be more effective as India’s own and indicated that GOI in fact attached great importance to an independent expression of views completely dissociated from any which US Government might have.
Bajpai went on to say that the policy and efforts of GOI all along had teen directed towards prevention extension of hostilities and restoration of peace so that it was natural thing for GOI to make such expression of views to Chinese Peoples Government at this juncture which he recognized as critical stage in Korean situation.
Bajpai said that he was fully authorized, in the absence of Prime Minister, to issue instructions to Pannikar; and concluded by asking that substance of the conversation, particularly his willingness to issue such instructions following US approach, be treated as matter of utmost confidence.
An appropriate expression of appreciation was given for his willingness to act in a favorable sense with such promptness as well as assurance that his decision would be closely guarded.