845.00/3–2348: Telegram
The Ambassador in India (Grady) to the Secretary of State
235. Again saw Iengar last evening. He said GOI fearful Noel-Baker1 obstructing and adding to difficulty of arriving at agreement on Tsiang resolution. GOI does not believe he reflects attitude Cripps and Attlee.2 Iengar says Russians first expressed little interest Kashmir dispute other than that “interests of the people be properly safeguarded.” They are now scolding Indian delegation, evidently to carry out present USSR policy of pressuring India into USSR camp. Because of this policy and “its manifestation in Molotov’s talks with Pandit (see Embtel 221, March 18) plus attacks on India and Nehru in Russian press (clippings of which have reached GOI) plus now definite indications of Novikov’s3 activities warn Communists here, Nehru’s eyes have been opened and his attitude toward Russia has definitely stiffened. Iengar having Novikov in today to put him on carpet re some Communists entering India with irregular papers. Also GOI requesting Novikov to withdraw from Calcutta area “trade commissioner” whose activities GOI strongly suspect.
[Page 501]Nehru seriously considering accepting verbal invitation I extended him on behalf of President Truman to pay visit to US stopping for three or four days in London en route. He is thinking of going right after Legislative Assembly adjourns on April 9 and spending month. Some of his close advisers are urging him to go though he has not yet decided. The advantages of his going at this time are obvious to Department. Will Department advise me for my guidance whether time suggested would be convenient for President and would it fit into schedule of Blair House. I want to do some tentative planning in event he suddenly makes up his mind. He might decide one day and want to be off the next. Of course if he decides I will request formal invitation from President.
Sent Department as 235; Department please repeat London as 57 and Moscow as 3.