Chinese-Indian Border Talks Fruitless

Press, Volume XCIX, Issue 29189, 27 April 1960, Page 17

Chinese-Indian Border Talks Fruitless

(Rec. 11 p.m.) NEW DELHI, April 26. The Chinese Communist Prime Minister, Mr Chou En-iai, left New Delhi early today for Katmandu, in Nepal, after a week of fruitless talks with the Indian Prime Minister, Mr Nehru, on the Indian-Chinese border dispute.

The border dispute, which has embittered relations between the two countries, remained completely deadlocked, according to political observers. A communique last night said the dispute had not been resolved, but officials of both sides would meet this summer to narrow down points of difference. At a midnight press conference. Mr Chou, grim-faced and firm, said China had been prepared for a settlement on the basis of the border line physically held by each side at present, but India had rejected this. He was, however. hopeful of an ultimate settlement.

Mr Chou said that China would respect the McMahon Line between North-east India and Tibet. ‘The so-called McMahon Line is completely unacceptable to China, but we are willing to maintain the present status in that sector. We will not cross that line.” he said. The statement seemed to free India of the Chinese claim involving 36,000 square miles of border territory, American Associated Press reported.

Mr Chou said that in return for China respecting the McMahon Line, China wanted India to recognise Chinese claims involving 15,000 square miles in the Ladakh area of Kashmir. "The Government of India has not entirely agreed to this,’’ he said. According to a communique signed by the two leaders, their talks “did not result in resolving the differences that have arisen.’’

The communique said: “The two Prime Ministers agreed that officials of the two Governments should meet and examine, check, and study all historical documents, records, accounts, maps, and other material relevant to the boundary question, on which each side relied in support of its stand, and draw up a report for submission to the two governments.” Mi Nehru told reporters at the airport: “From the statement issued, it is evident that we were unable to come to any agreement. That is eloquent of the position.” Asked whether India was prepared to make any concession in Ladakh in return for any Chinese

concessions on the eastern sector of the border, he said: “There is no question of barter in these matters. Facts are facts.” Mr Nehru said Mr Chou invited him to Peking “but I said the question of my going there did not arise. After the visit of our official team and their report, then we could consider it.” Asked whether there had been a relaxation of Chinese-Indian tension because of the talks, Mr Nehru said: ‘‘The basic tension remains.”

Asked whether he was still optimistic, he said he did not know what measures of optimism he had ever had. “But one always tries to be optimistic and one cannot rule out the possibility of success.” The Chinese leader will also discuss border problems when he meets the Nepalese Prime Minister. Mr B. P. Koirala, for talks in Katmandu. Political observers believe Mr Chou will not press China's recently - announced claim to Mount Everest in view of Peking’s desire for a treaty of friendship with the small border State.