Cable from the Chinese Foreign Ministry, 'On India’s Possible Severing Diplomatic Relations with China'

On India’s Possible Severing Diplomatic Relations with China

[To] The Chinese Embassy in India: (Top Secret)

(1) It is estimated that India may take one of the following three actions toward Sino-Indian diplomatic relations:

1. Announcing the severing of relations within a short period of time;

2. Temporarily not severing diplomatic relations, but recalling its consulate general and reducing a large number of personnel in its embassy;

3. Temporarily not recalling its consulate generals, but proposing to reduce the number of personnel in each other’s embassy and consulates to a minimum.

(2) We should be prepared for the worst circumstances under which diplomatic relations are severed. Our measures are mainly as follows:

1. China’s embassy and consulates in India should promptly withdraw and take measures according to the actual situation and deploy personnel to cope with the aftermath in order to absolutely ensure the security of personnel.

2. Consider choosing Poland’s Embassy in India to protect our rights and interests.

3. If India declares that it is severing diplomatic relations with us, we will promptly make a statement and publicly expose [India]. If India recalls its consulate generals, we will make a statement in the name of Ministry of Foreign Affairs or during the spokesperson’s talk and appropriately expose India.

4. The Overseas Chinese Affairs Office will otherwise make arrangements for India’s prosecution of Chinese in India according to the actual situation.

The above matters are being done or being prepared by relevant departments. Your Embassy should do a good job on the first matter, lease notify us of your views.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs

14 December 1962