Foreign Relations of the United States, 1969–1976, Volume XXIV, Middle East Region and Arabian Peninsula, 1969–1972; Jordan, September 1970

38. Telegram From the Embassy in the United Kingdom to the Departments of State and Defense¹

London, July 9, 1969, 1546Z.

5406. DOD for OSD/ISA. Subj: Diego Garcia: Stewart/Singh Discussion.

1. Singh² saw Foreign Secretary Stewart this morning and in course of conversation raised question of Diego Garcia. Singh complained at some length that the American plans as explained to GOI threatened to introduce big power competition into the Indian Ocean area, and his govt was “very unhappy” at the prospect. Singh mentioned that the Chinese were already showing interest in the Indian Ocean, and that the Russians had been asking for refueling facilities “from certain countries.” Introduction of an American base was certain to result in unwanted rivalry between big powers.³

2. Replying Stewart emphasized the modest nature of the facility envisaged, denied that the term “base” was accurate description, and stated that US has the right under the BIOT agreement to establish such facility. He said this plan in no way constituted a threat to the area or to GOI.

3. Singh said he questioned that the Americans had any need for the base. Stewart responded that the US has obligations in the Far East and that the Indian Ocean facility was needed for refueling and communications in order to carry out these obligations. Singh retorted that if the USG has Far Eastern obligations then let them use the territory of Far Eastern countries to discharge them. What we were now proposing would bring the US into a new area where it had no present obligations and where competition with other major powers would be the inevitable result. He said the GOI was certain other Asians would also oppose the project.

4. Singh inquired about the present status of the proposal within the USG. Stewart said that it was still being considered on a confidential basis by the Congress, and that his personal estimate was that Congressional approval was likely but not certain.

5. In closing Stewart reminded Singh that we had notified GOI on confidential basis and hoped that this would be respected. Singh acknowledged the point but made no promises.

6. Preceding is summary taken from FonOff telegram to UK Embassy in Washington giving full and detailed report of conversation. UK Embassy has been requested to pass complete text to Dept immediately upon receipt.

Annenberg

1. Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Files 1967–69, DEF 15 IND–US. Secret; Immediate. It was repeated to New Delhi, Port Louis, Tananarive, CINCPAC, CINCLANT, and CINCSTRIKE.
2. Indian Minister of External Affairs Dinesh Singh.
3. Singh passed on a similar message of concern to Nixon in their July 10 meeting. The memorandum of conversation of their meeting is in Foreign Relations, 1969–1976, volume E–7, Documents on South Asia, 1969–1972, Document 26. Background material for this meeting is in a memorandum from Saunders to Kissinger, July 10. (National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 1236, Saunders Files, Indian Ocean)