293.0011/8–1051: Telegram

The Acting Secretary of State to the Embassy in the United Kingdom

secret

1018. Re urtel 814 Aug 10, Dept had hoped joint representations wld be made, as deliberate united action thought much more likely be productive than staggered representations of single countries. Since latter approach evidently considered tactically desirable by [Page 1792] Brit and others, it becomes necessary this Govt exploit all possibilities individual approaches. Dept must have as much concrete evidence as possible that steps in behalf Amers in particular being taken. This means Dept must not only be generally satisfied definite efforts being made by representing powers, but that it also have evidence to which it can point when interested parties, who have legitimate reason for deep anxiety, inquire re action being taken. This applies to evidence that any principal power has declined assist.

Swiss apparently not mentioning Amers. Roschin apparently did not do so and Dept unaware whether Panikkar did. We believe representation shld mention situation Amers (without necessity naming individual cases) in listing various nationalities affected by Commie measures. Ascertain whether Brit will request Swiss include Amers in Swiss approach.

Re A. 1. (a). Reftel, Dept desires more definite info re time and purport Panikkar aide-mémoire. In view latter’s temperament, this info may not be obtainable; if not, Dept wishes approach MEA New Delhi directly for definitive Indian attitude toward assistance. Actual move made by Roschin not at all clear and thus wld not appear meet our purposes which need be served by direct approach.

Webb