Foreign Relations of the United States, 1969–1976, Volume XI, South Asia Crisis, 1971
Document 212
212. Telegram From
the Department of State
to
the Embassy in India
1
Washington
,
December 1, 197, 0519Z
.
216629. Subject:
US
Military Sales to India.
1.
As Indian forces have become progressively involved in conflict with Pakistan on Pakistani territory we have for some time been concerned about
US
military sales policy in regard to India. When East Pakistan problem first developed we focused on issue of military sales to Pakistan and finally dried up military sales pipeline. In view of current Indian involvement we have come to conclusion that we must now take action in regard to
US
sales to India.
2.
Accordingly, decision has been made within
USG
to suspend issuance of new Munitions List export licenses and renewal of existing Munitions List licenses for military sales to India and to cancel existing licenses for approximately $2 million worth of components and machinery for manufacture of ammunition. Remaining licenses covering items worth in neighborhood $11.5 million will remain valid. Decision will be announced December 1 and be effective as at that date.
3.
Text of proposed announcement by Department and supplemental background press guidance being transmitted
septel
.
2
4.
We recognize that this decision will cause strong reaction in India. We have decided to take action both to make clear to
GOI
seriousness with which we view present situation in which Indian and

Pakistani forces have met on Pakistan territory and to forestall domestic criticism of
USG
for continued licensing of military equipment, despite India-Pak situation.
3
5.
You should inform
GOI
at appropriate level of
USG
decision. In addition to using text of announcement, you may at your discretion make following points:
a.
In view of strong feelings on part of
USG
and American people that war can provide no solution to East Pakistan problem and in view of hostilities which have already taken place between Indian and Pakistani forces,
USG
has decided to take action outlined in public announcement (
septel
).
b.
With regard to items in pipeline already licensed
GOI
will note that we are canceling licenses only for those items related to manufacture of ammunition and small quantities ammunition. This is being done because of direct use to which ammunition can be put in any India-Pak conflict.
c.
We are not now canceling other outstanding licenses. They will remain under review.
4
d.
US
will continue its effort to contribute to easing of tensions and is taking this action as result of its view that military conflict can only stand in way of political solution. American people will not understand provision of new military supplies in the light of the present military situation.
e.
USG
continues to believe political settlement is necessary if there is to be solution to East Pakistan problem. We are continuing to

pursued with
GOP
various avenues through which negotiations toward a political settlement might be initiated. We continue to urge India to do all possible to facilitate such negotiations.
f.
If the issue of equating India and Pakistan is raised, the point should be made that this is not an issue. We are now dealing with a situation in India in which active warfare involves Indian forces.
6.
In order minimize time between notification of
GOI
and Washington announcement, Embassy should not inform
GOI
of
US
decision prior to 9:00 p.m. Delhi time December 1. Embassy may use its discretion re how
GOI
informed and content of message. We plan inform Indian Chargé here at approximately 10 a.m. Washington time December 1.
5
Rogers
Contents
Preface
Sources
Abbreviations