Foreign Relations of the United States: Diplomatic Papers, 1942, General; the British Commonwealth; the Far East, Volume I

740.0011 Pacific War/1976a: Telegram

The Acting Secretary of State to the Ambassador in the United Kingdom (Winant)

Washington, February 25, 1942—midnight.

843. For the Ambassador from the President. “As you may guess, I am somewhat concerned over the situation in India, especially in view of the possibility of the necessity of a slow retirement through Burma into India itself. From all I can gather the British defense will not have sufficiently enthusiastic support from the people of India themselves.

In the greatest confidence could you or Harriman¹⁷ or both let me have a slant on what the Prime Minister thinks about new relationships between Britain and India? I hesitate to send him a direct message because, in a strict sense, it is not our business. It is, however, of great interest to us from the point of view of the conduct of the war. (Signed) Roosevelt.”

Welles

17. W. Averell Harriman, the President’s Special Representative in London, with the rank of Minister, to deal with all matters relating to Lend-Lease for the British Empire.