611.9326/9–3050: Telegram
The Ambassador in India (Henderson) to the Secretary of State
priority
[Received September 30—6:04 p. m.]
813. 1. Bajpai read to me this evening text of GOI telegram to Panikkar, Indian Ambassador Peiping, in which GOI outlined US suggestions received through Bevin for settlement any legitimate claims arising from US bombing (third paragraph Deptel 469 September 28). In this telegram GOI expressed willingness to appoint representative if Peiping was agreeable to act with Swedish representative in investigation and assessing damages.
[Page 831]2. Bajpai said GOI considered US generous and could not see how in face of it Peiping could continue to maintain US was not doing all it could be reasonably expected to do to compensate China for any damage which US planes might have inflicted on Chinese territory. He added if China agreed GOI representative would be Major General Himatsinhji, at present Deputy Minister Defense. I know General Himatsinhji personally and consider him to be man of integrity, friendly to US.