603.4193/12–1551: Telegram
The Ambassador in India (Bowles) to the Secretary of State
2122. Ref Embtel 2064, December 11, rptd London 65, Bern unnumbered, Moscow for info 3.1
FonSecy Menon asked Steere call today and read substance tel from Ind Chargé Kaul, Peiping, expressing view (shared by his Swiss colleague) that unwise any US statement to mention by name countries which had interceded with Commie Chi authorities on behalf US Natls. Kaul thought Chi Commies were beginning moderate attitude toward fon natls concerned. He also thought US statement now might result refusal Christmas amenities which Brit and Swiss reps were endeavoring secure. Finally he expressed view mention names countries interceding wld reduce their future influence on behalf fon natls and perhaps cause China take harsher attitude toward prisoners.
Menon indicated Bajpai and he inclined agree with Kaul and said GOI wld appreciate if no mention made of India in any US statement Dept considered necessary. Menon suggested we confine ref to intercession by fon reps Peiping to statement that “reps of several friendly fon powers had been asked to intercede.” He also suggested Dept shld consider delaying statement until after Christmas in order not jeopardize Swiss, Brit efforts on behalf detained Amers.
Steere said he questioned Kaul’s judgment that mention countries interceding US behalf wld reduce their future influence such matters; on contrary he thought Chi Commies might have more regard for fon views about mistreatment fon natls if friendly countries were prepared to let it be known they disapproved of such mistreatment. Menon, however, was not to be shaken from his request that no specific mention be made of Ind Govt in above connection.
- The reference telegram, not printed, reported that the Ambassador had given Bajpai the substance of the Department’s telegram 1136, December 7, 1951, not printed, which instructed the Embassy to inform the Foreign Office that the Department might soon have to make public a general description of the efforts made by other powers in connection with U.S. nationals in China; Indian and Swiss help, in addition to that of the British, was to be particularly mentioned (603.4193/12–1551).↩