Foreign Relations of the United States, 1951, Korea and China, Volume VII, Part 2

793B.00/7–1051: Telegram

The Consul General at Calcutta (Wilson) to the Secretary of State

top secret

Calcutta, July 10, 1951—3 p. m.

31. Re Contel 13, July 3. Our desp 8, July 9¹ gives further details of experiences Tibet del China as related to Thacher in Kalimpong by Shakabpa.

Mtgs with Chinese largely taken up by aggressive statements Chinese intentions toward Tibet. Little opportunity given Tibetans present their point of view. Finally Tibetans agreed accept Chinese terms for del only, warning Chinese they not assenting for Dalai Lama or Tibetan people.

Chinese treatment del apparently created strong antagonistic feeling among Tibetan delegates. Shakabpa believed little chance delegates wld try persuade Dalai Lama accept Chinese terms. Ngapho Shape, leader of del, now returning Lhasa overland has sent word to Tibetan Govt not allow its actions be affected by fears for his safety.

Shakabpa told Thacher on July 6 he had not relayed Yatung Dept’s suggestion communicated to him ten days earlier that Dalai Lama consider refuge Thailand. Shakabpa cited following three objections which we believe may well occur to other Tibetan officials and Dalai Lama:

(1) Thai Govt in apparently unsettled condition;

(2) Large Chinese minority Thailand;

(3) Geographic proximity Thailand to China. After Thacher’s reiteration our reasons preferring Thailand, Shakabpa promised forward suggestion Yatung.

Shakabpa stated he had urged Tibetan Govt take early steps inform GOI Tibetan’s dissatisfaction Peiping terms and possibility Tibet might seek assistance from GOI and other countries but no action yet taken this direction.

Sent Department 31, rptd info New Delhi 32.

Wilson

1. Not printed.