891.03/5–851: Telegram
The Ambassador in India (Henderson) to the Secretary of State
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3130. Eyes only McGhee NEA.
1. Saw Bajpai this morning my request. Told him I had given further consideration to information he gave me yesterday afternoon [Page 2161] (Embtel 3124, May 7) and had become concerned lest inclusion by Nehru in his coming statement of reference to GOI unwillingness furnish materials relating to manufacture atomic weapons might not be regarded as uncalled-for criticism US atomic weapon policies. I said I hoped that Prime Minister cld be induced drop this reference.
2. Bajpai said decision Prime Minister taken in consultation with members Cabinet and apparently Cabinet felt more strongly on this point than any other. Both bills provided for transfer by India to US under terms of agreement to be reached between two governments of material required by US as result of deficiencies in US resources. Cabinet felt it only fair that GOI policy re supplying materials used in manufacture atomic weapons should be fully understood by Congress when it enacts legislation. He said he wld be grateful if Department could explain to Members Congress speech had been made reason for inclusion this reference and make it clear that no criticism of US policy was implied.
3. I asked Bajpai if I was to infer no more beryl would be exported to US. He replied negative. Said beryl agreement would be lived up to. I asked about monazite and thorium. He said policy GOI was not to export monazite. He not prepared at moment discuss what policy re thorium wld be. Nehru’s statement not intended indicate change in GOI policies but merely to emphasize fact that materials used in manufacture atomic weapons would not be included in any agreement for repayment food grain loan.