Office of the Historian

271. Backchannel Message WH22059 From President Nixon to John Connally in New Zealand1 2

Washington, June 24, 1972

I have read the message which General Haig sent to you at Henry’s request concerning the relationship between recent anti-U.S. statements by Prime Minister Gandhi and other Indian officials and the prospects for improving relations between our two Governments. This information was provided for background purposes. I would like to emphasize that it is essential that you take the strongest stand on this issue and would like to reemphasize the importance I attach to your maintaining the toughest and most aloof demeanor during your Indian leg in the face of these Indian attacks. The Indian press is suggesting that your visit to Delhi is associated with an effort by me to admit past mistakes in our policy towards India as part of an apologetic move to reestablish better relations. Thus, it is essential that you not contribute to this impression which can only invite further Indian insolence. It is also essential to our strategy vis-à-vis Hanoi and other countries that we in no way contribute to the impression that we are buttering up a state which has been in the forefront of vitriolic attack against my recent Vietnam decisions.

You should make it very clear from the outset that the U.S. cannot accept continuing anti-U.S. attacks whether they involve the conflict [Page 2] in Southeast Asia or some other aspects of U.S. policy. I know I can count on you to ensure that this climate is clearly established during your stay in India.

I hope your stay in Australia permitted you and Nellie some rest from what can only be the most arduous journey. I look forward to seeing you in San Clemente upon your return.

  1. Source: Library of Congress, Manuscript Division, Kissinger Papers, Box TS 28, Geopolitical File, India Chronological File, 4 Nov 1971–19 Sept 1973. Top Secret; Sensitive; Eyes Only. Haig signed the telegram for Nixon.↩
  2. Nixon referred to the previous telegram from Deputy Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs Haig to Connally regarding his meeting with Indian Prime Minister Gandhi and added the following instruction: “I would like to emphasize that it is essential that you take the strongest stand on this issue and would like to reemphasize the importance I attach to your maintaining the toughest and most aloof demeanor during your Indian leg in the face of these Indian attacks.”↩