693.93B/6–551: Telegram
The Ambassador in India (Henderson) to the Secretary of State
3515. 1. Talked with Bajpai June 5 re Tibet. He maintained GOI had no info as yet from Lhasa or from Dalai Lama re reaction to Peiping announcement signing of agreement. Tibet del to Peiping had never got in touch with Panikkar and Indian Emb Peiping had been unable to obtain any info re treaty other than that put out by Commie Chi.
[Page 1702]2. I asked what his opinion attitude GOI wld be if Dalai Lama wld repudiate treaty; insist it obtained duress from del without authority to make such agreement. Bajpai said he did not know. GOI thus far had taken it for granted Dalai Lama wld accept treaty as best terms obtainable. He personally thought matter one between Dalai Lama and Peiping. If former shld refuse agree to treaty he thought GOI wld find it difficult regard treaty as legal document. If after rejecting treaty Dalai Lama shld ask for asylum in India GOI cld not well refuse.
3. I said seemed to me this treaty if accepted wld mean end Tibet autonomy and advance Commie Chi to Indian frontiers. I cld not see how India cld view such development with equanimity. In my opinion wld be to advantage to Asia if Dalai Lama wld refuse accept treaty. In such event aggressive tactics Peiping wld at least be unmasked. Bajpai said I might be right but GOI in interest correct relations Commie Chi was refraining from attempting exert any influence on Dalai Lama. GOI continues favor Tibet autonomy but cld not go further in this matter than Tibet itself.