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

263. Telegram 85263 From the Department of State to the Embassy in India¹ ²

Washington, May 16, 1972, 0035Z

Subject:

• AID Staff in India

1. We believe it is important that Ministry of Finance be aware that Indian request for reduction of US AID staff has been carefully considered by Washington. Therefore AID Director should return promptly to DEA and convey instructions in State 9819, making clear our desire to consider jointly with Ministry of Finance minimum staffing needs in all categories of personnel, including technical assistance, to meet Indian and U.S. priorities for various programs.

2. We note that mission has informed Ministry that fifty-nine Americans on US AID staff will depart by next September without being replaced. Joint review with GOI should therefore focus on remaining staff. We wish to follow course of these discussions carefully. Embassy should therefore report fully discussions with GOI officials.

1. Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Files 1970–73, AID (US) INDIA. Secret; Priority; Nodis. Drafted on May 15 by Schneider; cleared by Van Hollen and Williams, and approved by Sisco.
2. The Department reiterated that the Indian Government should be made aware that the request to reduce AID staff in India was carefully considered in Washington, and that the U.S. concurred.