793B.00/7–1951: Telegram
The Chargé in India (Steere) to the Secretary of State
269. Personal suggestion was made to Dutt (MEA) July 17 that it might be useful for GOI to inform its polit rep Gangtok re GOI attitude toward question asylum for Dalai Lama, in view our information that matter being seriously considered by DL.
Dutt was informed yesterday (18) Emb understood that rep of Dalai Lama likely at any moment approach GOI rep Gangtok re asylum India for DL. Dutt replied that GOI rep had been instructed re attitude GOI this question.
Emb recd today telephone message from ConGen Wilson Calcutta that Shakabpa had approached Dayal (in Gangtok) yesterday (18) re asylum but had been informed Dayal had no instructions from his govt. Shakabpa conveyed this info to Vice Consul Gibson who was in Gangtok and who then obtained confirmation thereof from Dayal.
Upon receipt above info, I saw Dutt and gave him substance info from Wilson. Dutt made immed investigation and learned from subordinate (and admitted with embarassment) that Dayal had not been instructed until evening 18 re GOI attitude. I then pointed out we understood Shakabpa was proceeding to Yatung, and suggested that steps shld be taken to assure that info re GOI attitude was conveyed to DL if Shakabpa had departed. Dutt assured Emb this wld be done, since Dayal was in constant touch with GOI trade rep in Yatung.
Dutt was then informed that Emb had instructions, upon being advised that DL rep had approached GOI re asylum, to indicate US support of DL request, and our hope that GOI wld give favorable consideration thereto.
[Page 1758]Dutt made note of latter remarks, and replied that Dayal had been instructed to inform DL rep, in case of request for asylum, that GOI, in accordance with internatl law, was prepared to grant asylum upon condition DL did not engage in polit activities while in India.
Sent Dept 269, rptd info London 13, Calcutta 51.