603.4193/8–2251: Telegram
The Chargé in the United Kingdom (Holmes) to the Secretary of State
secret
London, August 22,
1951—5 p. m.
988. Deptel 1018, Aug 17, rptd New Delhi 397. Dept’s need for definite evidence that all possible channels being utilized assist Amers in China brought to attention FonOff, which indicated sympathy and understanding Dept’s position and furnished fol relevant info:
- (1)
- FonOff Aug 11 asked UK HC, New Delhi, obtain from MEA what info he cld re Panikkar’s approaches to Chi re for nationals. Reply not recd. It believed Lamb will report from Peiping any info recd from Panikkar re matter, but apparently he finds it difficult extract info from Pannikkar.
- (2)
- Lamb reported Aug 20 that Swiss approached Chi re foreign nationals Aug 14. Aide-mémoire dealing solely with situation Swiss business community was delivered, and Swiss Min separately saw director West European Dept Ministry Fon Affairs re Spanish, Fr and Ital nationals under arrest or otherwise in difficulty. He requested these be permitted leave Chi. Lamb also confidentially informed by Swiss Min that he mentioned position and treatment of foreigners in general [Page 1793] and told Chi their actions in this respect cld not fail have detrimental effect on sympathy abroad toward Chi people. It appears Swiss Min possible exceeded instructions in bringing up case of foreigners in general, and is apprehensive of results.
- (3)
- Swedish Amb has requested Belg rep Peiping furnish particulars regarding Belg nationals detained in Chi. Lamb regards this as hopeful sign Swedish Amb now considering representations, contrary his previous decision.
Emb suggesting to FonOff Lamb might attempt persuade Swedish Amb mention situation Americans in event he makes separate representations.
Holmes