Foreign Relations of the United States, 1969–1976, Volume E–7, Documents on South Asia, 1969–1972
Document 232
232. Telegram 2922 From the
Embassy in India
to the
Department of State
1
2
New Delhi
,
March 8, 1972, 1624Z
Subj:
US
Figures Prominently Throughout Mrs.
Gandhi
’s Electoral Campaign
Ref:
(A) New Delhi 2549
(B) New Delhi 2703
(C) Bombay 323
(D) Calcutta 410
1.
Summary:
PriMin
Indira Gandhi
’s almost daily criticism of
US
during three-week campaign tour reveals continuing resentment of
US
support for Pakistan and cutoff of American aid to India. Testy determination make own decisions consistent with national interests, and uneasiness that China and
US
cooperating in Asia to India’s detriment. Anti-
US
tone only partially mitigated by occasional acknowledgent of desire improve Indo-US relations. While electoral politics are proximate cause,
PriMin
’s attacks on
US
as presumed friend of India’s enemies appears reflect her unesase in fluid South Asian situation, as well as deep suspicion
US
intentions in region. These attitudes remain

formidable psychological obstacle to constructive Indo-US dialogue. Action requested: None. End summary.
2.
During just concluding three-week nationwide campaign tour for state assembly elections,
PriMin
criticized
US
almost daily, often directly, sometimes with thinly veiled euphemisms. China was generally lumped with
US
in criticism of major powers alledgedly supporting Pakistan.
PriMin
stressed big power support for Pakistan demands vigilance. Election finds India at “crossroads” since country “antagonized very powerful forces outside which continue observe India closely.” India’s enhanced international prestige as result Bangladesh crisis “made some big powers feel uncomfortable...they want to create trouble for
US
.” Indians, must maintain unity of purpose so
GOI
can continue “independent stand” and maintain vigilance as it faces unpredictable external environment.
3.
PriMin
said Sino-
US
friendship welcome as step toward peace, only if not at cost of “enmity for India.” (
PriMin
commented sourly
US
“sitting on China’s lap...” and china “extracting...whatever it wants.”) Heightened tension in Asia would result from outmoded concepts of balance of power or spheres of influence. Shanghai communique reference to Kashmir ceasefire line intended as pressure on India and constitutes “downright interference” in India’s internal affairs. “India will not tolerate any interference there.”
PriMin
wondered sarcastically why powers unconcerned about Bengalis’ sufferings last year now solicitious about Kashmiris, “who happily busy in election campaign.”
4.
According
PriMin
, “some nations still scheming against India and instigating Pakistan “to maintain confrontation. Objective is to keep India and Pakistan quarreling weaken both. Reportedly, powers prepared rearm Pakistan, though difficult understand what Pakistan would do with additonal arms. India wants peace with neighbors, but arms availability has usually led Pakistan to disastrous policy choices. New South Asia war possible because of what “certain countries saying and doing.... we nave to be prepared because we do not know what is going to happen.”
US
once alleged Pakistan being armed against communist nations, though India knows arms would be used against her.
US
did not stand

by India in 1971 crisis, and now holds this country responsible for sufferings Pakistan inflicted on subcontinent.
5.
PriMin
found “some powers...failure to take note of march of history in subcontinent” through recognition Bangladesh, contributing to uncertainty about South Asia’s prospects for peace in months ahead.
6.
PriMin
twitted rival Jana Sangh and Swatantra parties for earlier pressing government “to toe American line in foreign affairs.” Subcontinent crisis revealed where America stands. In light Sino-US dialogue,
PriMin
ridiculed opposition parties’ prior assertions
US
involvement Vietnam would “save” India from China. Insisting not Soviet stooge, Mrs.
Gandhi
favorably contrasted Soviet support with
US
actions. Defended
GOI
decision upgrade Hanoi relations as reflection Indian sympathy for “courage” of Vietnamese against “onslaughts and massive attacks,” proving “not wealth or armed strength which makes nation great, but indomitable spirit and unity of people.”
7.
PriMin
denigrated economic aid and touted self-reliance. “Aid,” usually given in donor’s interest, misnomer since it actually long-term credit burdening recipient’s economy and lulling him into dependency.
US
attempted keep India dependent and to use aid to pressure
GOI
“to toe their line of thinking in conducting our internal and foreign policies.”
GOI
refused because it “inconsistent with our dignity and self-respect. We do not want anyone to tell us what decision we should take. We’re capable of making our own.” India must become wholly self-reliant to command world’s respect. At present stage, “friendly assisstnace” welcome if unaccompanied by strings or pressure: “I am definite and there [is] no compromise [on] this issue.”
8.
Only partially offsetting anti-
US
remarks,
PriMin
asserted in passing desire improve Indo-
US
relations. Made clear, however, improvement depends on changed
US
attitude toward India.
9.
Comment: Among reasons
PriMin
made US a whipping boy thoughout campaign is that in aftermath 1971 crisis, it good politics to hit out at “rich, powerful interest” supporting Pakistan and seemingly growing closer to other putative enemy China. Notable that Mrs. Gandhi reserved some of sharpest anti-
US
thrusts for constituencies where opposition parities which previously desired closer relations with
US
are relatively strong. Also, Mrs.
Gandhi
like most Indians harbors intense resentment over
US
actions considered prejudicial, and also considerable apprehension about India’s isolation in Asia, this resentment and apprehension helped propel
GOI
into friendship treaty with Soviets last August, and currently fueled by great powers’ South Asia policies and events in region, could motivate even closer Indo-Soviet relationship. Any case,
PriMin
’s statements remind of depth of suspicion and doubt about
US
motives in South Asia to be overcome in Indo-
US
dialogue. I send this regretfully but believe you should be informed of Prime Minister’s political tactics.
Keating