795.00/7–1050: Telegram
The Ambassador in the Soviet Union (Kirk) to the Secretary of State
niact
[Received July 9—11:20 p. m.]
84. Eyes only for Secretary. I hesitate to attempt any categoric assessment of the Indian démarche reported Embtel 83.1 I see no reason to doubt Nehru’s or Radhakrishnan’s good faith, that they are sincerely endeavoring to reach a solution which would satisfy basic free world interests, nor that they firmly believe that an important step can be taken along this line to weaken the Kremlin’s hold on Mao. However, the implications and ramifications not only of the proposal but even of the manner of its presentation are obviously portentous.
[Page 343]As I see it, regardless of the merits of the proposal as an ultimate solution, there is an overriding danger that its pursuit at this time, parallel with the anticipated further British soundings of the Soviets, will materially assist the Soviets to confuse the issues of the situation with a view to damaging free world unanimity. On the other hand, the Indian attitude cannot be dismissed lightly.
In the circumstances, we believe it essential some means be found to get British and Indians together before things go any further. Delicacy of matter is that Indians have specifically requested British not be informed and, as British apparently have not informed Indians, it is difficult to see how it can be accomplished without betraying confidences. On the other hand, we note that Indians talked with British before first, and so far as we can ascertain the only Indian conversation with Soviets on July 1 and possibility cannot be excluded that British and Indians are cognizant each others negotiations which are nevertheless being presented to us here as independent. In any event, considering all aspects of matter we feel British should be consulted in strictest confidence and their agreement obtained that, with a view to achieving tripartite understanding as to future moves, Indians be (1) informed of prior Soviet overture to British and (2) strongly urged to postpone further action along their line until possibilities of British conversations are further developed.
- Supra.↩