780.5/1–2654: Telegram
No. 182
The Ambassador in Pakistan
(Hildreth) to the Department of
State1
niact
561. Just returned from tea at Governor General’s his request. Speech defect make impossible catch all comments. Alternating between bitterness and apology for plain speaking, he bitterly assailed United States for an hour for the humiliation, embarrassment and awkward personal position in which United States Government placed him. Every day he and his people read harangues by and inspired by Nehru and plans for disposing of GOP as though it were a pawn on a chessboard, while he because he is neither assured of United States decision nor of their plans is not in position to say anything. Travelling reporter Mowrer tells him today ten times as much information apparently direct from State Department as he or his government have heard. On verge of writing his friend Turkish president declaring he is neither beggar nor pawn. May still do so.
I told Governor General appreciated his awkward position and had pointed it out to Department, but his summons gave me reason for urgent cable and I would report back whatever I could before end of week, even if nothing. Told him personally I felt favorable decision coming some time but he not to be denied telling how badly he had been used. He said situation developing so that he might have difficulty getting cooperation his government. Has not been approached by Turks nor US and daily humiliated by press reports.2 When on his visit to States was assured his talks with Department officials and others would be kept entirely secret. Bitterly resented Swinton’s reference 25 million, stating he had told United States officials he would not want penny if it could not be used efficiently, but if a mission determined substantial amounts necessary he could not raise additional amounts for military at cost of sacrificing economic and educational developments. Feared UK had more influence with State Department than it should. When I expressed doubt of UK influence on military aid question replied “forgive me if I disagree”. Now actually felt mistake for him to have talked with President for though treated wonderfully by everybody Washington when there his treatment since return been shameful and humiliating. “What are we trying to do make Turkey [Page 470] an honest broker”. Said United States papers turning against GOP because GOP cannot say anything. Knew Turkey opposed to Iraq.
My personal summary Governor General discouraged but eventually expects help disappointed amount but bitter about his treatment. Incidentally Foreign Minister spoke at length today to above-mentioned travelling United States reporter Mowrer but not to me today about importance of military grant to GOP before any Turkish-GOP agreement. Foreign Minister’s statements plus mood Governor General may spell trouble when decisions broken to GOP. Hope I may tell Prime Minister something his return from Dacca January 30. Much easier to deal with than Governor General.
Re GOI activities abroad: Governor General felt United States not getting reliable reports from its Embassy Indonesia on activities GOI in Indonesia.
- Repeated to Ankara, London, and New Delhi.↩
- See Document 180.↩