Conference files, lot 59 D 95, CF 156: Telegram
No. 37
The Ambassador in India (Allen) to the Department of State
4208. Secretary and party arrived on schedule at 7:30 a.m. At 9:30 a.m. he placed wreath on Gandhi memorial at Raj Ghat. At 11 a.m. I took Secretary, Mr. Stassen, Mr. Byroade, Mr. MacArthur for courtesy call on Prime Minister. Conversation was informal and general, with Nehru in genial frame of mind.
At 3 p.m. Secretary and Mr. Stassen made courtesy call on Finance Minister Deshmukh and at 3:30 p.m. there was full discussion of five year plan with Planning Commission. Secretary pointed out that US administration had examined plan and supported it. He explained that in order to obtain appropriations from Congress for foreign aid, he and others in his group wished to learn as much as possible regarding actual working of plan to justify American help. Stassen, Byroade and Matteson continued discussion.
Stassen asked searching questions ranging throughout scope of plan, including contribution expected from Commonwealth countries. Stressed importance expeditious industrial development and stimulation private sector, and drew out responsive answers from Deshmukh, Nanda and Krishnamachari. Questioning likewise stressed educational improvement and importance progress with land reform.
Secretary is meeting Sir Girja Bajpai this afternoon. Later he will record a radio greeting to Indian people and this evening Prime Minister will entertain him and his party at large dinner, which also will be attended by many Cabinent members and other officials.