845.01/172: Telegram
The Chargé in the United Kingdom (Matthews) to the Secretary of State
[Received April 28—12:30 p.m.]
2217. Speaking before a house which was between three-quarters and one-half full, Cripps opened the debate in the Commons today with a speech lasting a little over one hour. The Prime Minister did not attend the session. The speech was delivered without any personal ostentation or animus and seemed to make a good impression on the [Page 647] House. Cripps described at length the various stages through which his negotiations with the Indians passed and made the following reference to the part played by Colonel Johnson:
“There is perhaps one other person to whom I should make reference so as to avoid any misunderstanding since his name has been bandied about in the press. It so happens by coincidence that, while I was in New Delhi, an economic mission arrived from the United States of America headed by Colonel Louis Johnson, representing directly in that matter the President. He was entertained by the Viceroy at his house on his first arrival, and, while he was there, one of the Congress leaders asked to see him. After consulting the Viceroy and in accordance with the latter’s advice he saw the Pandit Nehru, and in a most helpful conversation ascertained what at that time seemed to be the difficulties in the way of a settlement. I also called upon Colonel Louis Johnson by way of courtesy on his arrival and gave him as accurate a picture of the situation as I could. Thereafter at my suggestion and in accordance with his own personal desire to be of any assistance that he could, he had other interviews which were a great help in clarifying the situation. At no time did he act otherwise than in a purely personal capacity and he, like two or three of my Indian friends, merely did his best to give what help he could to the parties. I am personally most grateful to him, and I am sure the leaders of Congress are similarly so, but I wish to make it abundantly clear that there was no question of any American intervention but only the personal help of a very able and pleasant American citizen.”
In outlining the reasons for the break-down of the negotiations, Cripps’ speech seemed to add little to what has already been made public or to the information presumably received by the Department direct from our representatives in India, and consequently it will be reported on by mail.