OTP CCB No. 3318
TELEGRAM: SECRET
From: Foreign New Delhi
To: Indembassy, Tokyo
DTO MAY 221400
IMMEDIATE
No. 28407 Ambassador from Kaul
Your telegram NO. 44 May 19. Matter has been placed before Prime Minister. We had made it clear to Committee in Delhi that it would not be practicable or advisable for them to visit Fomosa. The only possible advantage of going there might have been to see entries in hospital registers. At that time the hospital was run by the Japanese and all the Japanese must have come sway. There can be no first hand evidence available there. It is conceivable however that some entries in the hospital register might give some further information. We would like you to suggest to the Committee that you may on their behalf request the Japanese Government to ask their Ambassador in Formosa to be good enough to see the hospital entries and secure certified copies. At the Committee's request we had approached U.K. High Commission hero to get this information for us but have not had a reply yet. The Japanese Ambassador in Formosa would be in a bettor position to handle this matter than the British who have only a Consul.
2. We have considered the matter again and are not in favour of the Committee visiting Formosa. Japanese good offices may enable Committee to land there but it is unlikely that the Formosan will give any facilities, in fact they may put obstacles and suggest degrading conditions. Apart from this politically this will be very embarrassing for us and might lead to complicating situations. If the Committee feel that there may be some public criticism here later they are at liberty to state, if necessary, that External Affairs Ministry advised than against a visit to Formosa.
PPS to PM: PS TO PM(4): Minister without Portfolio, Minister, Dy. Minister: SG (2): FS (2), CS (2), JSE: DSXP: SOFA: USFEA (2): SO NGO and CABINET SECRETARY.
Sd/
Superintendent CCB
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