Foreign Relations of the United States, 1952–1954, Korea, Volume XV, Part 1

FE files, lot 55 D 128: Telegram

The Ambassador in the United Kingdom (Gifford) to the Department of State¹

top secret
priority

London, July 14, 1952—6 p.m.

241. Embtel 225, July 12,² rptd New Delhi 9.

1. Tel dated July 14 from acting UKHC Delhi reports as follows:

(a) In reply to rptd requests for clarification Chi Commie proposals, CPG has now addressed note to Indian Emb Peiping in substance it no longer willing negot on basis alternative (B); it now only interested in alternative (A).

(b) Kaul³ has been instructed express to CPG his govt’s disappointment and regret over this development, and add GOI does not consider door closed to negots and Indian good offices still at disposal both parties.

(c) Previous to Chi note nothing had ever been put in writing by CPG or Indian Emb, on subject Chou’s proposals as given Panikkar.

(d) In view GOI, no course open other than await outcome further negots Panmunjom.

2. Tentative thinking in FonOff is cannot allow negots rest on this note. It will be necessary request further clarification from GOI. Perhaps Kaul cld reopen question with CPG pointing out unacceptability of alternative (A) which wld be not only degrading to UN but also damaging to CPG as their refusal to accept rescreening would have to be publicized.

Gifford

1. This telegram was repeated to New Delhi for the information of the Embassy.
2. In this telegram the Embassy in London informed the Department of State that because Krishna Menon was due to hand over his office of Indian High Commissioner immediately, the British Foreign Office would probably work through the British Acting High Commissioner in New Delhi in exploring further the Chinese channel (FE files, lot 55 D 128).
3. T. N. Kaul, Indian Chargé at Peking.