REPLY ON RECEIVING THE CREDENTIALS
PRESENTED BY INDIAN AMBASSADOR TO
CHINA KAVALAM M. PANIKKAR
(May 20, 1950)
Mr. Ambassador:
I take great pleasure in receiving the credentials of the President of the
Republic of India presented by you, and thank you, Mr. Ambassador, for your
greetings.
Between our two countries, China and India, which have a common
boundary, there are long-standing, close relations in both history and culture;
and in recent centuries they have undertaken similar long and courageous
struggles to free themselves from national adversity. There exist between our
peoples a profound understanding, sympathy and concern. The present formal
establishment of diplomatic relations between China and India will not only
further develop and consolidate the friendship which already exists between
our peoples, but the concomitant sincere cooperation of the peoples of these
two great Asian countries will greatly contribute to the lasting peace of Asia
and the world.
I warmly welcome your assuming the post of the first Ambassador
Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of India to the People's
Republic of China, and am ready to render assistance to your work in
strengthening the cooperation between our two countries.
I wish strength and prosperity to your country and people, and good
health to the head of your state.
(From People's Daily, May 21, 1950)