261. Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in India1
1041. Personal for the Ambassador from the Secretary. Before leaving for a few days for NATO, I should like to emphasize one point mentioned in your 1466.2 It is of the utmost importance that India make every possible effort to get additional food assistance from other countries if we are to be in a position to be of any substantial additional assistance ourselves. I was startled to learn just three days ago that [Page 500] B.K. Nehru was unaware of any approaches made to Canada, Australia, France, Argentina or others who could help. It seems to me that the Indian Government should put its diplomacy into high gear and get contributions from as many others as possible. Such contributions could include such items as fertilizer and shipping if food as such is not available. I am pleased that the Indian response to the President’s most recent move has been good.
- Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1964–66, AID (US) 15–8 INDIA. Confidential; Exdis. Drafted and approved by Rusk.↩
- The Embassy reported in telegram 1466 from New Delhi, December 10, that the President’s announcements were received with relief and gratitude and were having a tremendous impact throughout the country. (Ibid.)↩