315. Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in India1
Washington, April 6, 1966, 6:29 p.m.
1897. As results Gandhi visit begin stand out in clearer perspective, following points worth passing for your guidance: [Page 612]
- 1.
- While atmosphere very cordial, no concrete agreements reached. This not unexpected. However, difficult to get any sure sense exactly what Indians intend to do. While Gandhi party appeared understand nature economic deal we and IBRD have in mind, we still not sure they intend to go through with it. Decisions left to be made in Delhi.
- 2.
- In this connection, we see danger euphoria of visit, President’s strong message to Congress and resumption consortium activity will lull Indians back into secure feeling US ready to shoulder Indian burdens. Crucial this not happen because, while we do not intend to abandon Indians, we mean what we say about self-help. We want to bring Indians back to earth gently but quickly.
- 3.
- Indian performance will be main criterion for our next moves. For instance, we expect Indians move quickly to accept Woods’ invitation begin discussions with IBRD. We expect Indians begin hot pursuit fertilizer investors with propositions carefully prepared to be responsive to reasonable investor needs.
- 4.
- In short, next move up to Indians. Since it essential they realize this, suggest you make clear appropriate levels we consider ball now in Indian court. We have promised understanding help when they move. They should expect little more from us until they do.
Rusk
- Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1964–66, POL 7 INDIA. Confidential; Limdis. Drafted by Handley and Farr in AID/NESA, cleared by Rostow and Saunders, and approved by Handley. A note by Saunders on a draft of this telegram indicates that it was based on a conversation between President Johnson and Rostow on April 3. (Johnson Library, National Security File, NSC Histories, Indian Famine, August 1966–February 1967, Vol. II)↩