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

200. Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in India⁰

Washington, November 18, 1962, 2:03 p.m.

2140. Eyes Only Personal for Ambassador from Secretary. (Urtel 1853.¹ Deeply appreciate your handling present crisis. I am convinced that we are on the front edge of large and unpredictable events affecting many parts of the world and that earlier frames of reference will require radical review by many governments including our own.

I wish to underline fourth numbered recommendation Urtel 1853. India’s relation with Pakistan is now a central problem for India affecting its own vital security and national existence. India must understand the limits upon our capacity to influence Karachi. We ourselves cannot prevent a Pakistan-Peiping side deal and a withdrawal of Pakistan from CENTO and SEATO if Pakistan becomes determined, however irrationally and recklessly, to pursue that course. Delhi would not be the first capital to make the mistake of believing that we have unlimited powers of persuasion in every capital other than its own.

If the situation in the subcontinent should take a rapid and adverse turn, India must surely recognize that geography restricts our own capacity to act promptly in the area. Further if Pakistan breaks its Western ties and conspires with Peiping against India it would be crucially important for the American people to know that India has taken every possible step to avoid that result. Otherwise our ability to help India would be severely circumscribed.

I am not arguing Pakistan’s case nor condoning her effort to extort maximum advantage from India’s danger. I am emphasizing utter seriousness your fourth recommendation and necessity for Indian leadership to pursue their newly discovered realism to a full reassessment relations with Pakistan.

Rusk

0. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 791.56/11-1762. Secret; Niact. Drafted by Rusk, cleared by Talbot, and approved by Rusk. A handwritten note by Rogers on the attached telegram distribution sheet prepared in S/S reads: “Secretary requested specifically that this message not be repeated to London and Karachi.”
1. Document 199.