793B.00/7–1751: Telegram
The Consul General at Calcutta (Wilson) to the Secretary of State
52. Linn returned last night from Kalimpong where Gibson remaining temporarily. Linn states most Tibetan officials, including Y. Pangdatshang and Tering have already left for Yatung. Shakabpa leaving today. Only important Tibetans remaining are Dalai Lama’s mother and sister, two members of Tibetan del Peiping (Sanpho Sey and Rimjin Sadutsang) and four members Tibetan trade mission Kalimpong.
Linn reports all plans made for Dalai Lama’s departure for India if Dalai Lama decides leave Tibet. These plans have been prepared … and are being conveyed to Dalai Lama by [name deleted] . . . . Plans included in msg from [name deleted] urging Dalai Lama come to India and also urging him adopt one of fol three courses of action.
- a.
- Choose small group of faithful followers and leave quietly with them. This wld presumably involve leaving at night in effort avoid deputations which have come to Yatung from principal monasteries and from govt at Lhasa to persuade Dalai Lama return to Lhasa.
- b.
- Order [name deleted] bring him surreptitiously to India.…
- c.
- If neither (a) nor (b) feasible, Dalai Lama to send msg to [name deleted] requesting … send Harrer and Patterson secretly and in disguise to meet Dalai Lama near Yatung in accordance with prearranged plan and bring Dalai Lama back. Detailed plan for this operation also being conveyed by [name deleted] but he is to make clear to Dalai Lama it is to be adopted only as last resort.
Linn advised Harrer and Patterson alternative (c) wld obviously entail great risks, but they are determined make any sacrifice for Dalai Lama if necessary. Harrer knows Yatung thoroughly and is convinced he can get Dalai Lama out. Both he and Patterson have agreed not to make this attempt unless other plans impossible of fulfilment.
[Page 1755]Dalai Lama’s decision re foregoing will be promptly communicated to [name deleted].
Linn says all Tibetan sources report Dalai Lama under very strong pressure return to Lhasa, with oracles declaring he must do so.
Linn and Gibson attempted persuade Shakabpa remain Kalimpong as directed Deptel 108, July 13 to New Delhi,1 but Shakabpa stated he had no alternative as Dalai Lama’s orders sacred. In his last conversation with Linn, Shakabpa revealed Tibetans now aware GOI willing receive Dalai Lama. Shakabpa explained member Tibetan del had just told him Chinese Commies had approached GOI in this connection and received affirmative reply in which ref had been made to fact thirteenth Dalai Lama had taken refuge in India2 as well as alleged statement by Nehru expressing willingness receive Tibetan refugees.… Point arose as result Shakabpa’s efforts convince Linn and Gibson not necessary for him to call on Dayal although he eventually consented do so. Re second sentence Contel 47, July 16, Shakabpa in discussing with Linn Dalai Lama apparent decision return Lhasa indicated Dalai Lama had made decision under compulsion. We feel however if pressure is made Dalai Lama may be persuaded reverse decision when presented with definite plans for escape outlined above, as well as msg from US Govt (Deptel 91, July 12) both texts of which [name deleted] is also carrying to Dalai Lama.
Sent Dept 52, rptd info New Delhi 56.