791.13/5–1552: Telegram
The Ambassador in India (Bowles) to the Department of State
4237. Nehru’s cabinet reshuffle is gen in line with forecasts and occasions no surprise except last minute appointment of K. C. Reddy to newly established Production Min. Press and political comment has been politely favorable if not enthusiastic. Nehru’s critics may be expected to criticize new cabinet as nothing more than face-lifting his old and with some merit, we think. New appointees are limited six mins, one of whom once before a Min (Kidwai). Several most important posts remain in hands Nehru’s close associates such as Azad, Amrit Kaur (we feel both might have been replaced to good advantage), Ayyangar, Nanda, etc. There noteworthy failure introduce “new blood” which so urgently needed provide cong with administrative continuity.
It clear despite Nehru’s avowed aim achieve secularism communal considerations present in selections. Thus cabinet includes two [Page 1640] Moslems (Azad and Kidwai), one Sikh (Saran Singh); one Harijan (Jagjivan Ram); and one non-Brahmin (Reddy). Amrit Kaur has evidently been retained to give representation to India’s women. Geographical considerations appear also not to have been neglected; virtually all important states are represented, although with seven mins from UP, Nehru will be accused of partiality to his own state.
It seems to us on balance new cabinet represents some improvement over old. Thus Ayyangar should bring new competence to defense which suffered under Baldev Singh’s weak administration. Katju, who takes on states while dropping law, has shown competence during his few months in office and his retention in all-important Home Ministry is happy augury for future. Giri with long labor record and experience in Madras states should bring fresh and constructive approach to labor which suffered inexpert hands of Jagjivan Ram who has been shifted to relatively unimportant communications post. Kidwai, who has reputation for vigor and administrative capacity, should be vast improvement over scholarly and well-intentioned Munshi, under whom important Agri Min unable function smoothly or efficiently. Krishnamachain is untested, but seems likely he, with his technical knowledge of economics, will be improvement in commerce and industry over provincial politician Mahtab who reportedly felt private enterprises shld play larger role in India’s development than Nehru.
Swaran Singh comes with good reputation from politically stormy Punjab to take over works, housing and supplies (from which production now divorced), but there wide-spread regret popular and capable Gadgil relieved. Gadgil’s departure is believed to herald virtual end Patel influence in cabinet. Nanda, in addition planning, takes on river valley projects which signifies stress Nehru places on latter development in relation five year plan.
Shastri, who had good administrative record as Home Min in UP and who personally close Nehru, shld be able handle railways competently. Biswas functioned capably as minority min and shld acquit himself well in concurrent law post. Reddy enjoyed good reputation chief Min Mysore, but it unclear whether he has ability operate such complex projects as Sindri. Keskar shld prove vastly better in info and broadcasting than Diwakar, who unimaginative and poor administrator.
Departure of Bajpai from MEA will throw further heavy burden on Nehru and at same time increase difficulties of diplomatic corps in arranging high level contact with MEA. While well intentioned and capable, K. P. S Menon is loath accept responsibility and act on own initiative in manner comparable Bajpai.
To sum up, new cabinet represents retention of bulk of Nehru’s old guard plus few new appointees of good caliber with whom Nehru [Page 1641] feels he can work in full political and social harmony. But, as Dept is well aware, Nehru is dominating character and will, in any case, determine policies to be followed. Therefore, we need not look for any appreciable changes of policy, internal or external, to emerge from new cabinet.