Foreign Relations of the United States: Diplomatic Papers, 1943, The Near East and Africa, Volume IV

845.00/1843a: Telegram

The Secretary of State to Mr. William Phillips, Personal Representative of President Roosevelt in India

Washington, February 25, 1943—6 p.m.

120. In the event Gandhi dies, the Department proposes to release following statement of policy regarding American troops in India. The Department understands that the War Department is cabling a copy to the Commanding United States Army Officer in India for his information and guidance.²⁶

It is thought that foreknowledge of this statement may be helpful to you, and you will no doubt wish to see that it is likewise released in India if Gandhi’s death occurs.

“It will be recalled that on August 12, 1942 announcement²⁷ was made that the following statement of this Government’s policy had been incorporated in orders to the American military forces in India:

• ‘1. The purpose²⁸ of the American forces in India is to prosecute the war of the United Nations against the Axis powers. In the prosecution of the war in that area the primary aim of the Government of the United States is to aid China.
• 2. American forces are not to indulge to the slightest degree in activities of any other nature unless India should be attacked by the Axis powers, in which event American troops would aid in defending India.
• 3. American forces in India will exercise scrupulous care to avoid the slightest participation in India’s internal political problems, or even the appearance of so doing.
• 4. In event of internal disturbances American forces will resort to defensive measures only should their own personal safety or that of other American citizens be endangered or for the necessary protection of American military supplies and equipment.’

It is desired to reaffirm that statement of policy at this time and to emphasize that American troops are in India to assist in the protection of India against Japanese aggression and not with a view to their participating in any way in India’s internal problems. It will be realized in addition that in line with the policy previously affirmed on August 12, 1942, one of the most important functions of American troops in India is to assure that all possible aid to China be maintained and hence to guard maintain and develop essential supply routes through India to that country.”

Hull

26. A draft statement was submitted on February 23 to the War Department for approval on an urgent basis, and was cleared with minor revisions.
27. Department of State Bulletin, August 15, 1942, p. 697.
28. The 1942 text published in the Department of State Bulletin, August 15, 1942, p. 697, and the original draft of this telegram read “sole purpose”, but the qualifying adjective was struck out before transmission.