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| Sunday, 10 April 2005 |
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Memoirs of Sirima R.D.Bandaranaike : Sino-India border dispute - 1962 When the war between China and India known as the Sino-India border dispute began in 1962 Sri Lanka as a neighbouring country of India and friend of both these countries - we were in a dilemma. The Ambassador from China and High Commissioner for India called on me as Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs to explain their positions. They were both accusing each other of being the aggressor.
They both expected us to condemn the other. Our position was that we did not know actually who was the aggressor. In any case we had equally good relationships with both the Governments of China and India. Our position was that as friends we should be in a position if possible to bring about a settlement. In fact, I explained this to both diplomats. They did not seem to be satisfied with the position we adopted, particularly India. One day, at about 12 midnight the Chinese Ambassador telephoned and wanted to call on me urgently. I agreed and I also phoned Felix to be present as the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs. I knew it must be something serious that he wished to call me at that time of night. I wondered whether the war had taken a serious turn. He came to tell us that the Chinese troops had crossed over to Assam and explained that China was compelled to do so. Whatever the reason and however justified they may have been, the situation was very serious not only for China and India but for neighbouring countries like Sri Lanka and the World at large. Here were two giant countries at war, the repercussion of which could have been very very serious and a threat to peace in the region. Felix and I discussed this and decided with our officials that we could and should not just sit and watch the situation. We had to do something to ease the situation. So we summoned the diplomats of some of the Non-Aligned countries that had good relations with both China and India. Those of Egypt, Burma, Indonesia and discussed the situation with them and decided to send messages to President Nasser, President Ne Win, Prince Sihanouk, President Sokarno, President N'Krumah suggesting that we meet as soon as possible in any country they proposed, to discuss the situation and find a way out. They all responded promptly agreeing to the proposal and suggesting Sri Lanka as the venue and we also informed China and India that we were taking this step. Premier Chou-En-Lai immediately responded welcoming steps we proposed to take. Within a week we organised the meeting. All these countries participated. President Ne Win of Burma, Prince Sihanouk of Cambodia, Prime Minister Aly Sabry of Egypt, Foreign Minister Dr. Subardro of Indonesia and Justice Minister Ortoria of Ghana represented their countries. They were all from countries in the Non Aligned Movement (NAM) which were acceptable to both India and China. The conference lasted three days. Decisions taken. It was decided that an emissary should visit the two countries and convey the decisions of the conference to their leaders. And they all unanimously decided that I should go. I requested that at least one of the participant countries also joins us. Egypt's Prime Minister Aly Sabry agreed to come to India and Dr. Subardro to China. I should like to state here that the Indian newspapers were very critical of Sri Lanka's attitude for not supporting India. If we had done that it would not be possible to mediate. Whereas Premier Chou-En-Lai sent a message making the conference a success. I undertook the mission. Felix and other necessary officials accompanied me. We first went to Peking. Dr. Subardro joined us there. We had discussions with the Government. Premier Chou-En-Lai, Cheng Lue Chou Chee and Foreign Minister Chan Yi participated. Myself, Dr. Subardro and Felix Bandaranaike with officials participated on our side.We placed before them the decisions of the Conference. The Chinese leaders expressed their appreciation for taking these steps. Of course, they explained to us their position. They had some harsh things to say about India and their position. They agreed to accept the decisions of the Conference in principle. In fact, these leaders told us that they did not want an inch of Indian territory but they only wanted to teach India a lesson for their arrogance, and decided to march into Assam which is what they did. In fact Premier Chou-En-Lai even offered to join us to visit Delhi to discuss with the Indian leaders to prove their sincerity in wanting to settle the problem once and for all. At that stage as we didn't know what the Indian attitude would be, we did not think it was prudent to agree to that suggestion. From Peking we proceeded to Han Chou to meet Chairman Mao-Tse-Tung where he was residing at the time. A special plane was provided by the Government of China. Premier Chou-En-Lai also accompanied us. We visited Chairman Mao and explained to him too the steps taken and the decisions of the six Non-Aligned Nations conference called in Colombo. He too explained their position and assured us that China was always willing for a lasting settlement of this long standing problem which severed relations between these two great countries. He then thanked us for the steps taken by us. Even while we were negotiating in China the Indian newspapers were very critical of us. We proceeded from China to Delhi. Before we left Peking the news got round that the Chinese Government had accepted the proposals in principle which they apparently didn't expect. Not only Indian newspapers even some of our newspapers were not only critical but ridiculed us. Their comment was what can sprats do among big fish. What they didn't realise was that though small, Sri Lanka, was not anyway committed to any particular country however big or powerful they may be. It was easier to mediate as we were equally friendly with both countries and their leadership. Therefore, talking to them at that level in friendship and co-operation was not difficult. They realised that we were sincere and really wanted to be helpful as friends and truly non-aligned. So by the time we came to Delhi the attitude of hostility in India had changed and we were received very cordially. Premier Nehru himself was at the airport with all protocol laid out for us. Probably they never expected the Chinese Government to agree to the proposals even in principle. Mr. Aly Sabry came to Delhi to join us in the mission. We placed before the Indian Premier the decisions of the Conference of six non-aligned countries held in Colombo and discussions held with the Chinese leaders and their favourable response. For the first time the Indian side expressed their appreciation of our efforts to mediate and the steps taken by us. India said they would accept the proposals of the Conference in toto and if China too accepted in toto India was ready for discussions for a settlement. In any case the fighting on the border ceased and there was no more fighting. One of our proposals was that there be an immediate ceasefire on both sides and both get back to their respective positions. What Chou-En-Lai told us when we met him later during a visit to Sri Lanka was that even if India were to commence hostilities, China would not retaliate without informing the six non-aligned countries that met in Colombo. This was a firm assurance of the Prime Minister of China given in the presence of our Governor General Mr. Gopallawa and Felix Bandaranaike. The discussion continued till after midnight at Queen's House, the Governor General's residence. This was when he was on an official visit to Sri Lanka. I believe it was my Government's total commitment to Non-alignment and our sincerity of purpose that leaders of both countries accepted our proposals. This meant a great triumph for non-alignment. |
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