16. Telegram From the Secretary of State to the Department of State1
Dulte 19. (1) Pakistan: Nehru talked to Secretary at length and with strong emotion reference Pakistan. While recognizing NATO might have been born of real necessity,2 he doubted genuine security value of any Asian arrangements. He bitterly deplored SEATO and Baghdad pacts which he felt Pakistan entered not for security against Communists but to gain strength to use against India. He felt [Page 67] Pakistanis martial and fanatical people who might readily attack India. He believes present government might not have that intention but situation unstable and government could readily change. He deplored that United States arming of Pakistanis was forcing India to arm and make large expenditures for defense when it wished concentrate on improving its economic and social conditions. He reiterated attack on SEATO as essentially alliance with Pakistan against India. Secretary asked why India did not then join SEATO. Nehru looked startled and said one could hardly expect him join organization which he morally disapproves and thinks mischievous. Secretary said Nehru might be able change its character if he were member.