Foreign Relations of the United States, 1958–1960, South and Southeast Asia, Volume XV

73. Telegram From the Embassy in India to the Department of State¹

New Delhi, June 2, 1959—3 p.m.

3050. Rountree from Brown. Reference: Deptel 2952 sent Karachi 2848,² repeated information London unnumbered; Karachi tel 2662 to Department,³ 444 to New Delhi, repeated information London unnumbered. Ambassador Bunker prepared to discuss general question military part of “package” when he arrives Washington.⁴ In meanwhile I do not believe present is moment take action this matter vis-à-vis Indians, for following reasons: (1) unless we miss our guess Dalai Lama and Tibetan question have not ceased to plague Nehru and so it would seem wise allow sometime for possible new developments from this quarter; (2) Canberra incident not yet dropped, as shown by Nehru’s press conference statement (Embtel 2837)⁵ and report of second Indian note to GOP demanding compensation; (3) Indus Waters settlement has not been wrapped up yet and in my opinion should be accorded first priority of treatment, with nothing being done which might risk upset of promising disposition both sides; (4) except for seventh to tenth June Nehru will be travelling until middle of month when he returns from visit to Kathmandu.

Re method of approach if, as and when you Ambassador Langley and we agree moment is propitious, if this is before Ambassador Bunker’s return from leave, I suggest approach be made to Chagla at appropriate level in Washington and simultaneously to Pillai and then Nehru here by me.

Brown

1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 790D.5–MSP/6–259. Secret; Priority. Repeated to Karachi and London.
2. Document 355.
3. See footnote 6, Document 355.
4. Bunker was scheduled to arrive in the United States in early June for approximately 2 months of home leave and consultations in Washington.
5. Dated May 15. (Department of State, Central Files, 791.13/5–1559)