Memorandum of Conversation

S/S 004046 See than THE us. SECURITY DEPARTMENT OF STATE India repart of this Memorandum of Conversation log today 10th DATE:December 3, 1950 SUBJECT: Nehru's Message to Rau they PARTICIPANTS: USUN - Ambassador Gross UNA - Mr. Hickerson COPIES TO: Original to the Security copies mathews Jeroup Purk and Nety copy to NEA -1498 Ambassador ross telephoned me at 11:15 this morning and gave me the following summary of a message from Nehru to Sir B.N. Rau at New York. This is based on a telephone conversation between Rau and Gross. The Prime Minister says there is great anxiety about recent de- velopments, President Truman's mention use of the atomic bomb. The Prime Minister is most anxious to help in any effort to avoid war. The Prime Minister feels that the best procedure would be for representatives of the great powers to meet and to attempt to stop the rapid progressive deterioration. But even a temporary solution must now be quickly sought. Any such discussion must include "China" (note by Ambassador Gross: Rau made clear that this referred to Peiping.) Nehru believes that steps should be taken for a cease-fire as soon as possible followed by the demarcation of a demilitarized zone. At this time the Prime Minister thinks it is essential to have a frank approach which must be aimed at peace. If we can obtain a cease-fire followed by a demarcation of a demilitarized zone the whole question of a settlement in Korea and later of formosa can be negotiated. Nehru is convinced that unless the question of Formosa can be disposed of along the lines of the Cairo declaration there is no hope for lasting peace in Asia. Nehru