891.2546/4–2354: Telegram
The Ambassador in India (Allen) to the Department of State
1588. Deptel 1230, April 22 suggests deletion penultimate sentence paragraph 5 Corry–Bhatnagar memo. Precisely this issue which raised greatest difficulty in last minute negotiations in Bombay. Bhatnagar and Bhabha understood our need mention $2.20 price, but emphasized necessity for specific reference to $3.50.
Bhabha himself drafted this portion paragraph 5, insisting that insertion of 3.50 figure was as equally necessary for India AEC as 2.20 figure was for US authorities. Bhatnagar agreed with him. I believe any attempt secure deletion this sentence would be fruitless and probably lead to denunciation of agreed memo. Although desire avoid mention higher price fully appreciated, strongly recommend Department approve this sentence. Will appreciate early reply.1
- The Department responded on Apr. 30 in telegram 1259, not printed, that it approved the inclusion of paragraph 5 in the Memorandum of Commitment as reported in New Delhi telegram 1536, Apr. 12, 1954 (p. 1753). The Department also authorized the Embassy to give final U.S. approval to the Memorandum of Commitment as signed by Corry and Bhatnagar. (891.2546/4–2354)↩