793B.00/6–2251: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Embassy in Thailand
2075. For Turner1 from Rusk for urinfo only. Question of asylum for Dalai Lama is under discussion with US Emb not GOI New Delhi if Dalai Lama decides leave Tibet. US prepared make substantial effort effect arrangements for asylum Thailand which is Buddhist and has historic relationship with Tibet.
[Page 1714]On Jun 22 Thai Amb was informed US desire be useful making arrangements asylum Dalai Lama Thailand if agreeable both parties. To this end I handed Thai Amb ltr from Comite for a Free Asia, Inc. addressed to Secy which contained fol substance:
“The Comite has followed with sympathy flight of Dalai Lama and his brave but unsupported resistance to demands and threats of Chi Commie Govt. His continued silence since Peiping reported agreement May 23 between Peoples’ Central Republic and Tibetan local Govt is indicative his non-acceptance of terms. It is our belief that Dalai Lama is both a symbol and potential leader of Asian resistance to Communism. As such he has become religious and polit refugee without suitable asylum.
“The Comite for a Free Asia desires make contribution provision of asylum but of necessity limited to moral encouragement and some financial assistance. Asylum in the US wld be far from ideal for it wld take him away from peoples of Free Asia and from direct contact with the followers of Buddha. Of the various Buddhist countries to which Dalai Lama might go Thailand combines profound devotion to Buddha with proud record of independence and has taken lead among Asian countries in resisting Communism. Moreover for centuries Thais and Tibetans have been neighbors and allies. In such atmosphere of common religion the Dalai Lama might feel at home.
[“]If Thai Govt wld extend asylum to Dalai Lama and entourage and wld proffer him a suitable invitation to that effect the Comite for a Free Asia wld underwrite whatever expenses might be involved therein.”
Thai Amb is communicating this info to his Govt for action. [Rusk.]
- William Taylor Turner, Counselor of Embassy in Bangkok.↩