740.0011 European War 1939/16960a: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Commissioner in India (Wilson)
16. The American press has given considerable prominence to a resolution adopted on or about November 18th by the Council of State recommending that the Viceroy convey to the British Government the discontent of that body over Prime Minister Churchill’s statement to the House of Commons on September 9th to the effect that the Atlantic Charter is inapplicable to India. It is Understood that this resolution [Page 188] embodied an expression of opinion that the Prime Minister’s statement is likely to be prejudicial to India’s war effort.
You should report to the Department by telegraph concerning the significance of this resolution and various Indian reactions to the Churchill statement. This report should indicate whether such reactions are likely to result in a further deterioration in the India political situation prejudicial to India’s contribution to the war.
As of course you realize one of the reasons for the establishment of the Office of the Commissioner at New Delhi was to enable the Department to receive timely and complete reports on just this type of thing.