238. Editorial Note
On July 31, President Rajendra Prasad issued a proclamation dismissing the Government of Kerala and declaring direct Presidential rule of the state. The Consul General in Madras reported this development to the Department of State in telegram 78 from Madras, August 1. (Department of State, Central Files, 791.00/8–159) In telegram 364 from New Delhi, August 2, the Embassy commented in part as follows: “Next six to eight month period, expected to be necessary to prepare for elections, will be the test which will show whether CPI ultimately gains or loses by Kerala incident. Developments during it will give some pointer toward outcome but it is doubtful we will know final score before election.” (Ibid., 791.00/8–259) Despatch 69 from Madras, August 10, reported at length on the developments in Kerala leading up to the dismissal of the government. (Ibid., 791.00/8–1059)