Foreign Relations of the United States, 1969–1976, Volume E–7, Documents on South Asia, 1969–1972

112. Telegram 21111 From the Department of State to the Embassy in India¹ ²

Washington, February 8, 1971, 1742Z

SUBJECT:

• Secretary’s Letter to Foreign Minister Swaran Singh

REF:

• NEW DELHI 1159

1. Ambassador should seek early opportunity to present following letter from Secretary to Foreign Minister Swaran Singh. QUOTE Dear Mr. Minister:

Ambassador Keating has told me of your frank and detailed discussion with Senator Cooper on the subject of Indo-American relations. I was extremely gratified that Senator Cooper as a former Ambassador and friend of India and an influential member of our Congress was able to go into these matters with you. I was, however, deeply disturbed at one portion of your conversation which seemed to imply that the United States Government was interfering in the Indian elections, either directly or through the American business community in India. There is absolutely no basis to these allegations. The United States Government is in no way attempting to influence the outcome of the current elections.

I have asked Ambassador Keating to initiate a prompt and careful investigation, making use of US representatives in Bombay, Calcutta, and Madras as well as New Delhi, to determine whether American private firms operating in India may have made campaign contributions, and to caution them against any involvement in the elections. All the United States businessmen which the Embassy and our Consulates General have been able to contact have said that they are aware that it would not only be wrong but imprudent and foolhardy for them to interfere in India’s domestic political process. There are a very large number of Indian citizens who have close business associations with American firms. Some of these head businesses which have received Export-Import Bank dollar loans or Cooley Loans of PL 480 rupees. These loans are strictly monitored to insure that they are used only for the trade and economic development purposes for which they are lent.

I should also like to assure you that the contacts which our Embassy personnel are maintaining with politicians of all parties during the election period are solely with the view of keeping informed about developments in India and are consistent with the policy we follow in other countries. These contacts have no ulterior motive and do not in any way indicate a United States Government preference for one party or another. In fact they are comparable with the contacts your Embassy properly maintains with leaders of the various political parties and groups in the United States.

I hope that these comments will dispel any misunderstanding that may exist about this Administration’s attitude toward India. We look with admiration on your country’s dedication to democracy which provides an important example to all the countries of Asia. It is, I firmly believe, in our interest as it is in yours that the electoral process which gives Indian democracy such vitality be carried on without external interference from any quarter. I have asked Ambassador Keating, to whom I look to manage all aspects of US relations with India, to deliver this letter personally so that he may discuss its contents with you as you desire.

With best wishes,

Sincerely, William P. Rogers UNQUOTE

2. Ambassador should advise Foreign Minister that we would appreciate receiving any specific allegations about contributions which we would then be able to investigate at once.

3. In discussing this letter Ambassador should deal with specific allegation about contributions to Jana Sangh, pointing out USG would have no reason for wishing to support this particular party. Ambassador should acknowledge that Embassy officers have talked with Jana Sangh leaders, but should point out this has no more sinister implications than talks which Indian Embassy officers have had with prominent Democratic Senators and Congressmen.

4. You should also discuss with Foreign Minister the dangers implicit in allegations of US interference becoming public during election campaign. Such allegations whether directed against USG directly or implying connection with business funding would be damaging to our relations and our mutual interests. As Secretary’s letter makes clear we categorically repudiate the charges leveled against us.

End

Rogers

1. Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Files 1970–73, POL 14 INDIA. Secret; Exdis. Drafted by Quainton on January 26; cleared by Schneider, Van Hollen, Sisco, Deputy Assistant Secretary Colgate Prentice, and Coerr; and approved by Rogers. Senator John Sherman Cooper of Kentucky visited New Delhi January 7–18.
2. The telegram conveyed a letter from Secretary of State Rogers to Indian Foreign Minister Singh in which Rogers took exception to an allegation by Singh that the United States was interfering in election campaigns taking place in India.