Office of the Historian

791.5 MSP/7–552: Telegram

The Secretary of State to the Embassy in India1

secret
Washington, July 24, 1952—6:25 p.m.

225. For Amb. Re urtels 552 and 57 of July 5. Urtel to President was discussed with him by Bruce and Pres asked me send you fol msg:

“I am as deeply concerned by Congressional action in cutting program funds for South Asia as you are and regard refusal accept my recommendations short-sighted and basically contrary US interests. I believe situation must be remedied by Congress but I see no way reopening question until next regular session. Cuts were made despite our most strenuous efforts.

“I have issued statement along lines you have suggested with focus on situation which Cong has created as regards India. Text has been sent you separately.3 Understand Director of MS and Dept have examined possibility bringing up amount for India to that of last year within present authorizations and existing appropriations, but this very difficult. Harriman sent tel re this.4

“I particularly regret that in carrying out ur magnificent job in India you must cope with this discouraging situation. You know you have my support and my confidence that you will do ur best whatever the circumstances.”

Bruce is now on leave but I am sure he is very conscious as am I of the potentially precarious situation resulting from the deep cuts made by Congress. We will continue efforts to obtain additional funds. I know you will do ur best in India and appreciate very deeply ur willingness carry on with enthusiasm under these difficult circumstances.

Acheson
  1. The following handwritten notation appears on the record copy of this telegram: “Approved by the President and the Secretary. F[rancis] E. M[eloy] S/S”.↩
  2. The reference in fact is to New Delhi telegram 59, July 5, 1952, supra.↩
  3. Pertinent portions of President Truman’s remarks on July 16 dealing with the situation Congress had created regarding aid to India were transmitted to New Delhi in Department telegram 141, July 16, not printed (791.5 MSP/7–752).↩
  4. The telegram again under reference was Department telegram 141 to New Delhi, July 16 (791.5 MSP/7–752).↩