791.13/10–2451: Telegram
The Chargé in India (Steere) to the Secretary of State
1473. For McGhee from Bowles.1 Made my initial call Oct 23 on PriMin Nehru in company with Steere. Gen conversation of 20 minutes primarily on problems confronting GOI past 4 years and progress made in dealing with them. We agreed outstanding importance increased agric production of India to achieve improved standard living. PriMin described remarkable progress GOI has made with problem refugees to important extent on coop basis and without assistance from IRO.
PriMin, who obviously fatigued and not voluble, made effort be friendly and at conclusion conversation said he hoped we wld have many long talks together.
Subsequently I called on Bajpai, KPS Menon,2 Dutt, RK Nehru,3 Haksar4 and of course chief protocol Chopra.5 All were extremely cordial and expressed desire for close and frequent contact with me and Emb. My impression was attitude all cld scarcely have been more friendly and forthright. [Bowles.]
- Chester Bowles was appointed Ambassador to India and Nepal on October 10.↩
- K. P. S. Menon, Secretary, Indian Ministry of External Affairs.↩
- Ratan Kumar Nehru, Special Secretary dealing with Conferences, Indian Ministry of External Affairs.↩
- S. N. Haksar, Joint Secretary and Controller General of Emigration, Indian Ministry of External Affairs.↩
- I. S. Chopra, Joint Secretary and Chief of Protocol, Indian Ministry of External Affairs.↩