793B.00/7–351: Telegram
The Consul General at Calcutta (Wilson) to the Secretary of State
13. On afternoon July 2 Taktser Rimpoche sent us word … that in reply to his June 28 tel to Dalai Lama urging action by Tib Govt (Contel 5 July 2)1 he had just recd tel from DL advising him not to leave India just now. In view urgency of matter I asked … arrange immediate interview with Taktser. Latter told me he had made up his mind proceed USA regardless DL’s advice and wld tele DL was doing so. Said he wld also urge DL (1) leave Tibet at once and (2) publicly disavow Sino-Tib agreement.
Taktser, who seemed have quick grasp of issues involved, declared he thought reported decision DL receive Chi del in Yatung (Contel 7, July 2)2 made it all more necessary for him (Taktser) proceed to USA. Taktser reasoned that if, as appeared likely, situation in Tibet [Page 1729] shld deteriorate in near future and especially if DL should lose his freedom of action, it wld be important for Tibs to have Taktser in Washington where he cld maintain contact with US Govt. He thought DL wld probably agree when informed of decision to continue trip.
Taktser said that on previous evening he had private conversation with [name deleted] . . . . [Name deleted] had told him Tib del had been forced sign agreement on Chi terms and had been denied opportunity refer to DL for instrs. They had been told to sign or “there wld be war”. [Name deleted] had also told Taktser that throughout stay in China they had been “as in an iron box” and had been continuously watched and followed. They had seen Mao but not Chou. [Name deleted] was evidently disturbed re consequences their action. Later Taktser had recd call from all four Tib delegs who had anxiously queried him as to probable reaction in Yatung. He had not seen Chi del.
Re apparent decision DL await Chi del in Yatung Taktser commented this probably due to desire avoid embarrassment meeting along road from India to Tib. He understands Chi and Tib dels leaving Kalimpong for Tibet July 11.
Sent Dept 13 rptd info New Delhi 11.
- Telegram 5, not printed, reported that the Consulate General had sent word to Taktser that the arrival of the Chinese and Tibetan Delegations in Calcutta had increased the urgency of prompt action by the Tibetan Government; Taktser had disclosed that on June 28 he had sent a telegram in code to the Dalai Lama summarizing his conversations with U.S. representatives and urging action by the Tibetan Government (793B.00/7–251).↩
- Telegram 7, not printed, reported that Thacher had learned that the Dalai Lama planned to have discussions with the Chinese Delegation in Yatung before issuing a statement or coming to India and that the Chinese Delegation would get a friendly reception in Yatung (793B.00/7–251).↩