Secret Telegram

December 14, 1971

From: American Embassy New Delhi

To: Secretary State Washington DC

 

Rumors of US involvement, directly or indirectly, in Indo-Pak war are gaining further and further currency daily here in India. Sympto­matic of their effect may be the destruction in Pan American offices in Calcutta (New Delhi 19144 and Calcutta 3018) and increasingly virulent anti-US rallies and press attacks throughout India.

 

2. I have been assuming that any such rumors were wide of the mark, but have done nothing to knock them down except to cite statements of Secretary and White House Assistant Press Secretary (New Delhi 19196) since I am conscious of your desire to deter India from a major onslaught against West Pakistan (State 224241).

 

3. I am however deeply concerned and anxious to discharge my re­sponsibility for the lives and welfare of American citizens in this country and hope I may have assurance, on a personal basis if neces­sary, that we do not repeat not intend to directly or indirectly support Pakistan with American arms or equipment.

 

4. If in fact there is serious consideration to such a possibility being given in Washington, I would want to move promptly to recommend that we withdraw dependents and non-essential personnel, or at least to have some personal assurance that I would have sufficient advance notice of such contemplated action to enable me to take such step. Please advise.

 

Keating

 

 

Source: Bangladesh Liberation War and the Nixon House 1971, Enayetur Rahim and Joyce L. Rahim, Pustaka Dhaka, p – 439