845.01/148: Telegram
The Officer in Charge at New Delhi (Merrell) to the Secretary of State
[Received 11:51 p.m.]
141. Reference my 132, April 2, noon. The Congress reply to the proposals was officially handed to Cripps yesterday afternoon by Azad and Nehru. The question of publication of the Congress resolution will be decided by Congress Working Committee in consultation with Cripps. The reply, however, is believed to be substantially that forecast in my telegram referred to above with the addition of an [Page 626] expression of dissatisfaction with the provision for appointment instead of the election of delegates from Indian States to Constituent Assembly. The situation is more hopeful today in view of reliable reports that British are prepared to compromise on defense issue (reference my No. 140, April 3, 11 a.m.).