Foreign Relations of the United States, 1969–1976, Volume E–7, Documents on South Asia, 1969–1972

255. Telegram 69080 From the Department of State to the Embassy in India¹ ²

Washington, April 21, 1972, 0126Z

Ref:

• New Delhi 4957

Subject:

• Ambassador’s Talk With Foreign Minister on Vietnam

1. We have reviewed our instructions in light of your comments reftel and believe some of your arguments are compelling. In particular we agree strong demarche to Indians might contribute to Indian illusion that their position on Vietnam is of great importance to USG. Further, for USG to react to additional unfavorable Indian statement only by terming it as further unfriendly act could be interpreted as sign of weakness on our part.

2. Nevertheless, we do not believe we can permit Swaran Singh April 17 statement to pass without strong US objection. Accordingly, you should keep your appointment with Foreign Minister, inform him we consider his statement particularly unbalanced, and state US case firmly, drawing from Secretary’s testimony before Senate Foreign Relations Committee.

3. You should also carry out instructions para 3, State 067415, in regard social and business contacts with Indian officials.

4. We have just noted ticker report that Mrs. Gandhi also has made statement on Vietnam. If appropriate, you should refer to this statement in your meeting with Foreign Minister.

1. Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Files 1970–73, POL INDIA-US. Secret; Immediate; Nodis. Drafted on April 20 by Schneider; cleared by Van Hollen, Davies, and Haig (White House); and approved by Rogers.
2. The Department agreed that Ambassador Keating should tone down his objection to Indian Foreign Minister Singh’s statement somewhat when he met with the Foreign Minister.