845.00/11–2948: Telegram
The Chargé in India (Donovan) to the Secretary of State
1044. Embassy has received copy secret report from High Commissioner’s (UK) representative in Hyderabad based on personal observation and conversations with top Indian and Hyderabad officials and UK businessmen which reliable estimate conditions in Hyderabad state.
According report police action casualties Hyderabad forces were 1400 killed, 700 wounded. Initial entry Indian troops was followed by pillage, arson and murder by Indian forces, especially Sikhs. Disciplinary action soon brought troops under control. Military government is popular with public and is functioning efficiently. Major General Chaudhuri has gained high prestige for impartial handling of all disruptive elements.
Hyderabad Secretariat is continuing to function as before although some former officials have been dismissed and there is leaven of Indian civil servants. Nizam is powerless, has lost much prestige with former ruling class; heir apparent not impressive; Asaf Jahi dynasty seems finished.
[Page 465]Chaudhuri believes military government should continue six months, but Nawab Zain Yar Jung thinks three to four months adequate. Both expect trouble when civil authority assumes control since no experienced group exists which can take control.
Swami Ramanand Tirth, leader State Congress, is Hindu communalist whose possible assumption of power is viewed with misgivings in all quarters.
Three battalions Indian infantry and two battalions state forces engaged in clearing Nalgonda and Warangal districts of Communists but even these forces insufficient.
Indian authorities are doing everything possible to rehabilitate state. There appear be no barriers to normal trade.
On November 12 Hyderabad experienced first communal plot in many years. Report states “danger of communal rioting evidently still exists and, short of exemplary military action, would be extremely difficult to bring under rapid control if an outbreak on any scale were to happen.”
Despatch transmitting complete report follows.1
Sent Department 1044; pouched Karachi; Department pass London, Paris for GADel.
- Despatch No. 1303, November 27, not printed.↩