845.00/7–1445
The Ambassador in the United Kingdom ( Winant ) to the Secretary of State
[Received July 28.]
Sir: [Here follow observations of Mr. P. J. Patrick, British Assistant Under Secretary of State for India, on the Wavell Plan.]
Concluding, Patrick said that, in contrast with the wide acclaim which had been given the Wavell Plan, his own remarks might seem to introduce a discordant and cynical note. As a matter of fact, he did entertain reservations regarding the proposals and he thought it only right to say so. What had happened was that the Viceroy had had his way over an unenthusiastic Government and the lukewarm reception which the plan had received in Parliament had been indicative of official reaction thereto. Patrick recalled, with perhaps good humored maliciousness, that those responsible for policy making in India had frequently been admonished by their American friends regarding the necessity for “doing something” toward a settlement in India but without specifying what that “something” should be. Well, the Viceroy was now following the “do something” policy and it remained to be seen how it would work out.
. . . . . . .
Respectfully yours,
First Secretary of Embassy