845.00/1776: Telegram

Mr. William Phillips, Personal Representative of President Roosevelt in India, to the Secretary of State

87. I had my first long talk with the Viceroy with regard to Indian affairs last evening during which I expressed the interest of the [Page 185] Americans in seeing a settlement of India’s problems. I told His Excellency that I had been receiving Indians from many walks of life and different political opinions in an effort to understand their problems. I explained the purpose of my projected visits to various parts of the country where I hoped to obtain further enlightenment. The Viceroy cordially approved of my plans and assured me that on my return to Delhi he would go over the entire situation with me in detail. In reply to my inquiry as to whether in his opinion there was any possibility of his reopening the discussions with the Indian leaders he indicated that he stood ready to do so but of course under certain conditions.

Phillips