701.4511/1–946: Telegram
The Acting Secretary of State to the Commissioner in India (Merrell)
47. Dept has carefully considered views expressed your 24 January 9 but continues to believe that the proposed exchange of fully accredited diplomatic representatives with India would be tantamount to a public announcement that this Govt considers India at the present time self-governing and in effective control of its external relations and also would be interpreted as indicating US approval of present unrepresentative GOI.
Important factor in Depts decision is possible establishment this year of representative interim Viceregal council at Delhi which would constitute far more appropriate occasion than present for change in form of diplomatic representation. Change then might be made on US initiative and would clearly reflect US approval such significant step toward Indian self-government.