793B.00/9–1251: Telegram
The Ambassador in India (Henderson) to the Secretary of State
939. Emb believes Harrer suggestion (Calcutta 154, Sept 10 to Dept, rptd New Delhi 143)1 that letters setting out US assurances to [Page 1804] Dalai Lama shld be prepared and shown [name deleted] by US rep but not actually delivered to him is open to much less serious objection than earlier proposal that such letter actually be sent to DL (ref Deptel 81, Aug 15 to Calcutta, rptd Delhi 380 and Embtel 613, Aug 14 to Dept, rptd Calcutta 83). Emb accordingly hopes Dept may approve suggestion and indicate in outline its views re contents, particularly if Dept has in any way modified views re extent support DL entourage.
Emb believes encouragement may be taken from [name deleted]–Harrer initiative that some spirit resistance still remains Tib or that Tibs are recovering from shock Chi invasion. In any event wld seem advisable keep alive evidence US interest and readiness support for Tib when opportunity such as this presented.
Wilkins received Harrer msg2 shortly before departure annual leave, but apparently understood it have meaning quite different than intended. He returns Delhi Sept 23.
Emb has discussed reftel with Gibson since Linn had already departed. Gibson informed Emb tentative views re handling proposed letter if Dept shld approve.
Sent Department 939, repeated information Calcutta 101.
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Telegram 154 from Calcutta stated that Heinrich Harrer had requested the Consulate General to send a representative to Kalimpong to talk to a Tibetan official. The telegram read in part as follows:
“Harrer stated [name deleted] anxious despite personal peril return Lhasa to persuade Tib Govt Dalai Lama shld leave Tibet. In presenting arguments to Kashag and important lay officials [name deleted] believes he must be able swear he has seen signed sealed ltr of US Govt promising aid. Harrer suggests we prepare such ltr which wld only be shown [name deleted] by US rep, but which wld not be delivered [name deleted].
“Harrer presents fol reasoning support this plan: DL still most anxious leave Tibet, but lacks sufficient support among lay officials to overcome continuing opposition from monks. Among lay officials who neutral or passively opposing departure probably many who wld leave providing they assured suoport forthcoming for DL entourage. Many important Tib officials may still not know of previous US unsigned ltrs and aid offers. [Name deleted] … is hence in position considerable influence among Tib lay hierarchy. His oath as to existence US signed ltr promising support might be deciding factor necessary convince them support DL’s departure since Tibs attach great importance such oaths. [Name deleted] now in Lhasa wld unquestionably support group favoring DL flight. Harrer states ‘Chi armies now closing on Lhasa from both east and west,’ but may be two months before arriving Lhasa.” (793B.00/9–1051)
↩ - The telegram cited above stated that Harrer had failed to receive an answer to a telegram he had sent to Wilkins from Kalimpong two weeks earlier, suggesting that the Consulate General send a representative to Kalimpong to discuss this matter.↩