396.1 GE/5–1654: Telegram
The Chargé in India (Flanagan) to the Department of State
Unnumbered. Sent Department Geneva and IPSNY unnumbered. Geneva for McCardle. USINFO. Nehru told House of People May 15th that if his Indochina ceasefire suggestion1 had been thought of in more urgent terms, much suffering would have been avoided. Said satisfactory settlement procedural difficulties at opening conference good omen. Said countries of Asia intimately concerned with both Korea and Indochina. Said it not illegitimate desire of India that business of others carrying on warfare for their own purposes in Asia should cease.
Said imposition of settlement by either side impossible. Cited military stalemate in Korea. Said statesmen at Geneva actuated by strong desire for peace. Saw growing commonness in their approach.
Said he had no desire participate Geneva. Said he would hesitate very much to assume further burdens any kind. But said India cannot avoid fact that if situation arises which might require some kind of initiative on our part or association in any particular decision “We cannot run away. We cannot shed responsibilities that go with a great country.”
Suggested that Geneva conference report to United Nations which could facilitate implementation Geneva decisions.