Office of the Historian

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

Washington, July 24, 1962, 10:12 p.m.

503. Eyes Only for Ambassador. Please deliver following letter to Prime Minister from President. Advise date, time delivery.

“July 24, 1962

Dear Mr. Prime Minister:

I was glad to receive your letter of July 19th,1 with the latest word about the activities of the Indian team. Frankly, I am becoming increasingly [Page 312] concerned about the potentially rising financial cost, both to you and to us, if we actually have to make good on our Lightning offer.

I am dubious about our ability to go as high as the twenty aircraft mentioned in your letter, particularly if it becomes necessary and desirable for us to pick up three-fourths of the hard currency cost. Up to this point, I had thought our offer would be twelve, plus a trainer or two. We are also anxious to restrict the size of any Indian jet buildup, lest it create irresistible pressures for more F-104s from the Pakistani. Therefore, it might be well for you as well as for us to hint in Delhi that if Indian appetites are too large, it may only lead to a further arms race. I would favor offering India only twelve first, and would consider going higher only after further thought.

I agree that at this stage the best thing is for our experts to get together to firm up the likely cost of a package and possible ways and means of sharing it. I assume that the Orpheus 12 offer is now a nonstarter, which will give us a bit more leeway. We will send a team over promptly to discuss all aspects of the problem.

In the light of our mutual problems, we will also want to reach a clear understanding beforehand on how any offer is to be presented publicly. Even after the Congress adjourns, I would still see major risks of adverse repercussions from open US association with it. Moreover, our current impression is that Ayub would accept with good grace UK sale of Lightnings to India, provided that there were not too many. We will take this aspect up further with Ormsby Gore.

Sincerely,

John F. Kennedy“
Ball
  1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 791.5622/7-2462. Top Secret; Verbatim Text. Drafted in the White House and approved by Charles K. Johnson (S/S). Repeated to New Delhi and Karachi.↩
  2. See Document 157.↩