661.93/9–2050: Telegram

The Ambassador in India (Henderson) to the Secretary of State

top secret
priority

717. Bajpai following today’s conversation re Chinese Communist attitude toward Korea (Embtel 716, September 20) read second message from Pannikar which he described as an “evaluation of Chinese Communist attitude towards Soviets”. Paraphrase thereof which he supplied reads as follows:

“Turn of events in Korea has helped to bring home to Chinese weakness of Soviet policy and their own unhappy experience in past of direction of political stategy in the east from distant Moscow is likely to make them follow their own line while ‘leaning to the side of the Soviets’.

Also it is necessary to emphasize the very considerable influence which non-Communist leaders have in present regime. Idea that they are only figureheads is not true. In fact even in internal matters like land reforms, educational policy et cetera, Mao Tse-tung has been anxious to carry non-Communist opinion with him, and has modified long-cherished policies. The failure of Korean adventure has strengthened hands of this group.

While China is desirous of obtaining technical assistance and capital goods from Soviets, tendency has been not to accept political leadership. Stalin’s name seldom mentioned in papers and portraits of Stalin altogether absent. In fact while China is undoubtedly associated with Soviets she is not a satellite and consequently success or failure of Soviet policy on major issues has failed to have repercussion on Chinese attitude.”

Bajpai gave impression in reading and discussing above quoted and immediate preceding message from Pannikar that he felt they were a complete vindication of GOI hopes for evolution Chinese Communist attitude both re extension hostilities in Asia and vis-à-vis USSR. He was obviously pleased to supply paraphases these messages and said he very much hoped that they would be understood and appreciated.

Henderson