845.01/230a
The Secretary of
State to the Officer in Charge at New Delhi
(Merrell)
No. 38
Washington, August 5,
1942.
The Secretary of State transmits herewith a letter, with
enclosure, addressed by the President to Mr. M. K. Gandhi,
Sevagram Via
[Page 703]
Wardha,
Central Provinces, India, which the officer in charge of the
American Mission is directed to have delivered, by the most
appropriate means, to the addressee.
[Enclosure]
President Roosevelt to Mr. Mohandas K. Gandhi
Washington, August 1,
1942.
My Dear Mr. Gandhi: I have received
your letter of July 1, 1942, which you have thoughtfully
sent me in order that I may better understand your plans,
which I well know may have far-reaching effect upon
developments important to your country and to mine.
I am sure that you will agree that the United States has
consistently striven for and supported policies of fair
dealing, of fair play, and of all related principles looking
towards the creation of harmonious relations between
nations. Nevertheless, now that war has come as a result of
Axis dreams of world conquest, we, together with many other
nations, are making a supreme effort to defeat those who
would deny forever all hope of freedom throughout the world.
I am enclosing a copy of an address of July 23 by the
Secretary of State,21 made with my complete approval, which
illustrates the attitude of this Government.
I shall hope that our common interest in democracy and
righteousness will enable your countrymen and mine to make
common cause against a common enemy.
Very sincerely yours,
