851g.00/1–2948: Circular airgram
The Secretary of State to Certain Diplomatic and Consular Officers 2
Amembassy, New Delhi, has reported following regarding the Government of India’s attitude toward Indochina as furnished by official External Affairs Dept:
“As frequently expressed by Nehru,3 India has deep sympathy for efforts southeast Asian countries fulfill national aspirations and improve their peoples living standards. Notwithstanding this India will hesitate submit question Indochina UN because (1) France as permanent member SC could veto any action contrary French interests and (2) GOI not convinced Vietnam exercises de facto authority Indochina or, in contrast Indonesia, it represents viewpoint majority Indochinese. For time being India’s sympathy Indochinese aspirations will take negative forms such as refusing permit India be used as base French operations in Indochina and GOI will not take positive steps toward intervention. Lastly India would not like submit Indochinese question UN as long as GOI GOP dispute regarding Kashmir under consideration by UN.
“Embassy feels that above represents true picture of External Affairs Ministry’s attitude. This attitude, however, subject to reversal in case Nehru becomes imbued with feeling that French oppressing Indochinese in view his frequent emotional approach such problems. Extremely unlikely India will take any action regarding Indochina until decision re dispute with Pakistan handed down by UN.”