Office of the Historian

293.1122/8–251: Telegram

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

confidential
London, August 2, 1951—noon.

675. Embtel 537 July 26.1 Lamb reported from Peiping July 31 as fols on progress proposals for joint representations:

1.
He has spoken to new Swedish Amb, who is interested, but in view his recent arrival wishes consult his govt.
2.
Panikkar has suggested Swiss also might join, and Lamb finds Swiss rep agreeable in principle to representations.
3.
Indian and Pakistani reps separately sounded out, and both found sympathetic in principle to idea representations. Neither objects to UK approach to their govts on subject. Lamb, however, suggest that he shld have another discussion with Panikkar before formal discussions with govts concerned. He will go no further at present pending exploratory talks with Panikkar and Swiss rep.
4.
Lamb fully concurs in UKHC Delhi suggestion for preliminary approach now to GOI, as well as to GOP.
5.
Lamb commented:
a.
It is essential to continued progress not to reveal that démarche being considered.
b.
Publicity in US about representations wld be menace (presumably because it wld put Chi backs up).
c.
Any suggestion of US initiative shld be avoided.
d.
Divergence of views re method and timing approach to Chi Govt likely, but recent arrests of foreigners in Peiping (Embtel 633, July 31)2 might assist in obtaining unanimity of purpose.

FonOff intends now make preliminary approach to GOI and GOP re participation in joint representations.

Re final para Deptel 633, July 26, spot reaction FonOff official [Page 1769] to suggestion of separate US approach through Soviets was not unfavorable but it was thought Lamb might have some misgiving about this approach as offering evidence to Chi of US initiative. Altho it is realized Dept under considerable pressure from friends and relatives of victims, it is suggested Dept withhold approach to Moscow pending further developments in Peiping.

Gifford
  1. The reference telegram, not printed, reported that the Foreign Office had directed Lamb to consult with his colleagues in Peking and draft a note on behalf of their nationals in China which would then be referred to their governments for approval; Panikkar would be asked whether he would be willing to join them (293.1122/7–2651).↩
  2. Not printed.↩