Foreign Relations of the United States, 1961–1963, Volume XIX, South Asia

104. Telegram From the Embassy in India to the Department of State⁰

New Delhi, February 23, 1962, 6 p.m.

2621. Ambassador Bowles accompanied by Ambassador Galbraith called on Prime Minister Nehru this noon.¹ RK Nehru, MJ Desai also present Bowles used occasion to give Prime Minister account of political situation in Iran and more briefly on Ethiopia including meeting of Economic Committee for Africa. Emphasis in the discussion on prospects for land and other reforms, more liberal policies in two countries and better balance between economic and military aid. Discussion then shifted to Communist china where Indians share view that food situation is extremely serious and related to organic problems in agricultural organization complicated by rapid increase in population. Passing discussion of possibility of Chinese approach to US for food grains and whether this could be made part of bargain [apparent omission] tension should it come about. In response to direct question by Galbraith Prime Minister said there had been no move by Chinese to resume discussion of the Northern Frontier but in recent weeks the tone of other Chinese communications had become markedly more conciliatory. Bowles took occasion to stress our desire to avoid UN ruckus on Kashmir, relating this to the considerable feeling in US that India and Pakistan were using American aid to arm against each other. Prime Minister noted they had no desire for UN debate and added that Dayal had gone back to Karachi with instructions to renew invitation to Ayub to come to New Delhi for talks after the election. Galbraith noted that we would undoubtedly continue to stress with Pakistanis that this was fruitful alternative to New York debate.

Discussion touched on other topics including East Pakistan dissent, problems of population policy and election. Atmosphere amiable and provided useful occasion for getting across number of important American views.

Galbraith

0. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 790.00/2-2362. Confidential. Repeated to Karachi and USUN.
1. Bowles visited South Asia during a trip that included stops in Africa, the Near East, and East Asia. The trip began on February 8 and concluded on March 19 following Bowles’ participation in meetings in Tokyo of the U.N. Economic Commission for Asia and the Far East. Bowles visited India February 23-27, Afghanistan February 27-March 2, and Paki-stan March 2-5.