603.4193/10–351: Telegram
The Chargé in India (Steere) to the Secretary of State
1221. Ref Embtel 1189, Sept 29. Called on Bajpai noon today his request. He informed me Pannikar made representations Oct 2 to Chen Chia-kang Dir Asian Section FonOff Peiping on behalf US natls and left list names recently transmitted. Pannikar stressed that [Page 1828] Chen was member policy comite Chi Commie party and confidential advisor to Chou En-lai.
Bajpai said Pannikar had spoken several times recent weeks to Chi officials on importance for China to give considerate treatment fon natls if she wished achieve good will abroad. In Oct 2 talk Chen had at first replied by asking why CPG shld show special consideration for fon natls when thousands Chi natls under detention in fon countries particularly Malaya; also mentioned Philippines. Eventually however Chen had promised Pannikar to make investigation cases Amer natls on lists submitted and make report Ind Emb.
Bajpai went on to say Ind Emb only mission Peiping whose chief had personally made reps on behalf US natls. Lamb, according to Pannikar, had only presented note on our behalf. Bajpai stressed that patience necessary at this juncture. He hoped that step taken might be useful and eventually lead CPG awareness importance this problem. I told Bajpai US Govt had been extraordinarily patient in whole matter but thought it wld agree that continued patience necessary. In any event we most grateful for step which GOI and Amb Pannikar had taken on behalf Amer natls and wld await results anxiously.