Office of the Historian

845.01/196: Telegram

The Secretary of State to the Officer in Charge at New Delhi (Merrell)
Washington, June 18, 1942—6 p.m.

286. Your 333, June 4, 7 p.m. Mr. Nehru’s message was communicated to Colonel Johnson who is still at the Mayo Clinic, but expected to return to Washington next week since he is showing improvement. Colonel Johnson has requested by telephone that a message in the following sense be given to Mr. Nehru from him:

“I have the greatest sympathy for you in your position. I am very happy over the speeches that you have made advocating continued opposition to Japanese aggression. I want you to know that I have in no way changed my personal opinion and I shall act in accordance therewith on my return to Washington.

I believe you should know that Mr. Gandhi’s statements are being misunderstood in the United States and are being construed as opposing our war aims. I hope you have seen Mr. Welles’ recent speech.90 If you have not you can obtain a copy from Berry.

My warmest regards.”

Hull
  1. Presumably Mr. Welles’ address of June 18, 1942, Department of State Bulletin, June 20, 1942, p. 548.↩