309. Telegram 13259 From the Embassy in India to the Department of State1 2
New Delhi, November 3, 1972, 1335Z
SUBJ:
- CIA Charges Continue
Ref:
- New Delhi 12541
- 1.
- Summary: Press attention to CIA allegations abated somewhat, but topic now self-sustaining, with only infrequent assist from Prime Minister and Congress President. Momentum fed by communist and other newsmen who dredge up old CIA stories, by fresh local disturbances for which CIA convenient scapegoat, by opposition parties’ denials, and by concurrent allegations elsewhere. Radio Moscow pushing allegations and pro-Moscow communists urging action against CIA. First anti-CIA demonstrators appeared at Embassy nov 2. Public debate, particularly opposition demands GOI act or drop charges, probably will increase with convening of Parliament November 13. End summary.
- 2.
- Mrs. Gandhi and Sharma: Only reported comment by Mrs. Gandhi [Page 2] since October 14 (reftel) was when she told questioner in Darjeeling October 26 “neither Congress President nor I or anybody have said CIA was responsible directly for certain situation. But foreign intelligence working could aggravate things beyond our control. Today we are in very vulnerable position.... It is for this reason that we cannot afford to be complacent and have to be vigilant ... when unseen forces are active. Congress President Sharma reportedly told Congress workers in Jaipur October 29 CIA doing best to disrupt socio-economic life of country, and in Bhopal October 20 CIA colluding with opposition parties to “create chaos and frustrate our efforts to banish poverty”.
- 3.
- Press stimulation of interest: In addition to keeping issue alive by asking questions of political leaders, press has drawn on own files, published Western accounts of CIA operations, and communist concoctions. Bulk has appeared in leftish periodicals such as CIP New Age, which ran who’s who of CIA at US Mission in New Delhi, and leftist blitz and link, which have devoted much of recent issues to articles on CIA. But responsible press, which editorially resistant to raw charges of CIA involvement, recently has reflected more sophisticated approach. Prestigious Times of India ran two part feature on “shadowy world of espionage” and Sunday magazine item “dollars for scholars”, for example. Many articles detail allegations of involvement in India of organizations such as Asia foundation, thereby creating impression of proven history of CIA activity, several allege that during Sino-Indian crisis Indian intelligence grew close to CIA and even received technical assistance.
- 4.
- Fresh local disturbances: Punjab Chief Minister reportedly told press October 18 he had “definite” information CIA behind recent violence in state and implied it supporting either Sikh Akali Dal or Naxalites, which he held directly responsible. Blitz charged CIA involvement in disturbances at Prime Minister’s Darjeeling meeting. Minister Nandini Satpathy alleged October 14 CIA active in Orissa in collusion with Swatantra and Jana Sangh parties, and Kashmir Chief Minister October 20 renewed allegation of CIA activity there.
- 5.
- Opposition reaction: Opposition of right (Jana Sangh, Congress, Swantantra) and left (socialists, CPM) does not [Page 3] deny CIA active in India but demands GOI in order to prove allegations not simply to divert attention from growing socio-economic problems, conduct public investigation and drive out CIA. Congress says unanimity of opposition views on this subject is proof grant alliance exists, and leftists add that opposition denials result from guilt complex.
- 6.
- Political sceptics: Some continue debunk charges and Swatantra leader Piloo Mody is reportedly wearing medallion stating “I am a CIA agent”, Bihar Chief Minister told Embassy and ConGen visitors October 27 he had absolutely no evidence of CIA activities, and press reported Mysore Chief Minister saying no CIA activity noticed in his state. This also private reaction of many Indians with whom Embassy normally deals. Even so, intelligentsia less likely to laugh off allegations now that Mrs. Gandhi personally involved and press commentary more sophisticated.
- 7.
- Bangladesh revelations: Charges by Awami League Secretary concerning CIA involvement in Bangladesh reinforced campaign in India, as did release of book in US with report of CIA theft of Sputnik and stories by American newsmen in Delhi acknowledging CIA in India but targeted elsewhere.
- 8.
- Soviet attitude: pro-Moscow CPI, in addition to featuring CIA in own publications, calls for expulsion of known agents. Radio Moscow and Radio Peace and Progress give heavy play to allegations and to own concoctions re CIA missionary activity, support for right-wing organizations and stimulation of separatist movements.
- 9.
- Demonstration: first anti-CIA demonstration, sponsored by Delhi Youth Congress, occurred at Embassy November 2. About 70 students took part.
- 10.
- Comment: When Parliament convenes November 13 opposition will have forum for face-to-face debate with GOI about allegations. This debate, which CPI could enter to urge actions, will increase pressure on GOI to put up or shut up. Given (a) Mrs. Gandhi’s apparent belief in truth of charges; (b) GOI policy resentments and psychological hangups from top down; (c) zeal of GOI intelligence operations in documenting US activities; and [Page 4] (d) Soviet disinformation effort GOI may tempted provide more specific allegations and even expel some Americans.
Stone