177. Telegram From the Embassy in India to the Department of State0
1279. I talked with Prime Minister for half an hour this afternoon following his return from Ceylon and anticipating my departure for London. He looked exceedingly well and was in good spirits. Most of the conversation was on the Chinese border situation on which he spoke with great earnestness. The following emerged:
- 1)
- The Indians have taken the decision that the Chinese must be driven out whether it takes a year, five years or ten. He spoke with great firmness on this and asked that I make clear this determination to the President.
- 2)
- This determination clearly does not extend to any or all methods. It involves rather keeping steady pressure on the Chinese by the ground forces in the area and he implied that this intention now extends to Ladakh.
- 3)
- The weather is getting extremely cold in the Nefa combat area and the Chinese came in with better clothing and other protection against the climate. Their supply problem is far easier. Their road head is much nearer—some six miles—and their supply train is simpler. “We learned too many complicated things from the British.”
- 4)
- The Indians are getting winter equipment to their troops but the losses from air dropping are so heavy they are having to resort to overland supply.
- 5)
- He expressed deep alarm about the prospect of war in this area and his discontent with those who had described efforts to avoid it as appeasement.
- 6)
- He said the Chinese may have occupied Longju but noting its location immediately on border he discounted its importance.
In general discussion I reiterated our general position of sympathy. I noted that this had been affirmed by the Secretary to Mrs. Gandhi. Of the latter he had not heard and asked what the Secretary had said. I gave him a general account. He said he thought our policy was correct and sound and certainly it was much appreciated by the Indians. I told him in turn that we fully realized the difficulties of the area, and the need for a policy of caution and patience noting that in US one occasionally encountered an individual more concerned with proving his bravery than his wisdom.
- Source: Department of State, Central Files, 691.93/10-1862. Secret. Repeated to Hong Kong.↩