129. Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in the United Kingdom0

6411. Please transmit urgently following message from President to Prime Minister:

I want you to know personally how much importance I attach to finding an alternative to the MIG-21s and associated manufacturing [Page 261] facilities which the Indians are now seriously considering. We believe that such a Soviet entry into India’s military picture could have very grave long-range consequences for Indian internal politics. Mr. Ball discussed this matter with Lord Hood on Monday and asked whether your Government might be in a position to provide Lightnings as such an alternative. I have thought a great deal about this matter, and this is the only way I can now see to meet a problem which greatly concerns us both. I can well understand that the provision of Lightnings on terms satisfactory to the Indians might give you some difficulties. I should be glad to see how we might assist you in meeting these difficulties.

This is, in my view, a very urgent matter. We have indications that a final decision to acquire the MIG-21s may be reached in the middle of June so that if at all possible we need to find means of making a counter offer next week.

Rusk
  1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 791.5622/6-162. Secret; Limit Distribution. Drafted by Grant and Cameron, cleared by Rewinkel and Bromley Smith, and approved by Rusk.