845.01/227: Telegram
The Officer in Charge at New Delhi (Merrell) to the Secretary of State
[Received August 6—9:18 a.m.]
566. Following telegram has been received from the Consulate at Bombay:
“August 5, 5 p.m. According to British newspaper reporter for News Chronicle who interviewed Nehru yesterday the latter was in a ‘white hot rage’ and ‘bitter’ about the action of the British authorities in authorizing the publication of the secret minutes of Congress Working Committee.20 Nehru reported to look upon this British action as convincing proof that British have no desire to make a settlement and that there is, therefore, no alternative but to proceed with extreme plans for civil disobedience campaign. In short British inspired revelations are said to have put Congress leaders in such a frame of mind that they will reject any compromise which might be offered. If Nehru’s previously enunciated good will has really been alienated by this action the general outlook insofar as internal political developments in India are concerned is indeed dark.”
- For texts, see British cmd. 6430: India, Statement published by the Government of India on the Congress Party’s responsibility for the Disturbances in India, 1942–43, pp. 34 ff.↩