Office of the Historian

793B.00/7–1751: Telegram

The Ambassador in the United Kingdom (Gifford) to the Secretary of State

top secret   priority
London, July 17, 1951—6 p. m.

340. Deptel 335 to London July 16 rptd New Delhi 123, Calcutta 34.1

At Foreign Office this afternoon, Embassy officer asked whether, in view continued procrastination Dalai Lama which might soon result in his loss of freedom of action, Foreign Office wld be prepared instruct Acting UKHC New Delhi persuade GOI invite Dalai Lama visit India soonest. It was mentioned that press was on trail of reported [Page 1756] dissatisfaction on part of Dalai Lama with May agreement with Chinese Commies (Embtel 327 July 17 to Department rptd New Delhi 5)2 and that publicity might soon force him give up any thought of asylum in India or elsewhere.

Foreign Office agreed consult CRO urgently as to prospect of GOI being prepared take action along lines suggested by Department. Foreign Office also planned discuss with Nye who arrived London this morning. Embassy officer hopes to have Foreign Office reply by tomorrow.

Sent Dept 340; rptd info New Delhi 6, Calcutta 2.

Gifford
  1. Telegram 335 to London, not printed, instructed the Embassy to suggest that the British Government instruct Nye to urge the Indian Government to invite the Dalai Lama to visit India (793B.00/7–1651).↩
  2. Not printed.↩