795.5/9–2350: Telegram

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

secret

755. Bajpai, Secretary General MEA, in discussing question of UN military action when 38th Parallel reached, today said it was greatly to be hoped that North Korean forces would be trapped below Parallel and military operations thereby ended. GOI was of opinion that extension military action north of Parallel was generally not in interests of peace, and extension active hostilities to 38th Parallel would make for difficult decision. He recognized that breaking off fighting on reaching Parallel would be contrary to all military precepts and said he personally thought it would be necessary to decide question in light of circumstances when decision actually had to be taken. He emphasized that India attached greatest importance to unified and free Korea after question of aggression was resolved.

Henderson