791.13/12–450: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Embassy in India
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824. Marquis Childs,1 on the basis of consultation with Mrs. Pandit who had been in touch with Nehru, suggested to McGhee yesterday [Page 1359] that US invite Nehru to meet with Pres and Attlee. It was intimated Nehru cld be here as early as Dec 7. As indicated in Deptels 542 and circ infotel Dec 12 there have been two previous indirect approaches re invitation Nehru visit US.
Dept not disposed act on or reply to these hints as we see little hope reconciling Nehru’s thinking as indicated Embtels 1381 and 13843 re Korea and Commie China with our own at this time. As matters now stand if we issued invitation initiative wld appear come from us and might be interpreted as indication we prepared make concessions to Indian views which we are not in fact prepared to make. Moreover urgency present situation does not permit delaying substantive talks with Attlee for arrival Nehru. Shld subsequent developments make it appear talks with Nehru wld be productive visit at later date not precluded.
Foregoing for urinfo only unless you are approached re possibility Nehru visit in which case you shld attempt discourage idea on personal basis using such of foregoing para as you deem wise. We wish avoid giving impression of rejecting any offer by Nehru which wld make contribution easing present difficult situation but in best interests India and US believe talks shld not take place unless and until productive results seem probable.