791.00/10–252: Telegram
The Ambassador in India (Bowles) to the Department of State
1401. In my conversation with Nehru yesterday morning discussed at some length his impressions Commie movement India. He stated categorically that Commies less strong today than six months ago. He said his trip Hyderabad most encouraging; in Telengana area Commie strength deteriorated sharply. Stated were many instances of attacks on Commie leaders by villagers. Said it gratifying find Commies now complaining about lack police protection in area which had run with iron hand only relatively short time ago.
Nehru asked if I had seen report his speech Hyderabad in which had praised Amer assistance and particularly Amer technicians. Spoke particularly of Walker and Fox, both of which he met and remembered by name and for whom had warmest praise.
In Nehru’s Hyderabad speech, commenting on Amer aid, used fol language “some people say no nation such as India shld be dependent upon foreign aid and in general this probably correct. However, aid from Amer has been given us from very best of motives and without strings of any kind. For this reason we welcome this assistance”.
Newspaper report went on add that PriMin spoke in “most glowing terms of work of Point Four technicians in Hyderabad”.
Nehru leaving for Madras state in few days and planning cover all difficult sections of India before Parl reconvenes.
Returned from Hyderabad trip refreshed and invigorated and looking ten years younger than thirty days ago.
We inclined feel Nehru’s estimate of Commie situation tends be optimistic. Is true Commies have slipped somewhat in Hyderabad, Madras and Travancore–Cockin, but is no question my mind that have been steadily gaining ground in universities. Asked Nehru if agreed with this and he stated universities most vulnerable institutions in India and this largely due fact universities were not soundly conceived and too much instruction along antiquated Brit lines.