611.95/10–450: Telegram
The Acting Secretary of State to the Embassy in India
506. Dept feels that present days are most critical time during which decisions and actions in Korea may determine course of events for long time to come.
It is at this moment uniquely and vitally important that we try to disabuse Chi Commies misconceptions they may hold as to US intents and purposes in Korea.
Up to now this Govt’s sole channel communication with Chi Commies, except for public statements by officials, has been dubiously reliable intermediary Panikkar. Given latter’s predispositions and free-wheeling proclivities, we cannot be sure what Chou-En-Lai says or hears in conversations with him.
Therefore, even though fol may consist to some extent repetition what you have already said to Bajpai and which presumably transmitted to Peiping, Dept feels you might seek some opportunity through Bajpai to meet Chi Amb and put directly to him this Govt’s position re Korea. Shld this prove too difficult or impracticable to arrange, you might consider some alternative method, such as suggesting Bajpai or UK High Commissioner convey to Chi Amb summary US position.
Summary might take fol line:
As shld be abundantly clear, US has no desire whatsoever that hostilities develop between UN and Chi forces. Such eventuality would be tragedy for world and particularly for China. US wishes neglect no possible opportunity prevent misunderstandings which might lead to such result.
[Page 876]Therefore, fol facts shld be understood beyond shadow of doubt:
- 1)
- UN operations constitute no threat whatsoever to Korea’s neighbors.
- 2)
- As evidence good faith US is prepared accept (by UN or through other less formal machinery) neutral unbiased investigation and assessment damages arising out of charges of bombing incidents brought by Peiping authorities.
- 3)
- US has no desire to extend conflict or to establish bases in Korea.
- 4)
- US does not seek any special position whatever in Korea.
- 5)
- UN Mission in Korea is to repel established aggression and to bring about conditions of peace and security in which Korean people can determine own destiny.
In view these facts there shld be no doubt that mil intervention by another power in Korea in defiance of UN, or threat of such intervention, wld be act hostile to world opinion dangerous in consequence and unjustifiable by any standards international law or practice.
Authorities in China shld not underestimate historical sympathy Am people toward those seeking to maintain territorial integrity and genuine political independence of China. Neither shld they underestimate determination Am people act in full support international peace in Pacific in accordance with decisions approved by overwhelming majority of nations represented in UN.