Presidential Correspondence, lot 66 D 204, “Prime Minister Nehru’s Correspondence…”
1Prime Minister Nehru to President Eisenhower
My Dear Mr. President: I am grateful to you for your letter of November 30, which was given to me by your Ambassador here.
I am happy that our Vice-President, Dr. Radhakrishnan, could meet and have a talk with you during his recent visit to the United States. [Page 1795] He is not only our Vice-President but, if I may say so, one of our wise men who is greatly respected by all sections of the people here.
I entirely agree with you that what really counts in the relations of States is the common ground on which they can work out mutual problems. I am quite sure that there is much common ground between the United States and India. It is natural that there should be some difference in outlook or approach to some problems because each country has been conditioned differently by its history and experience. But this difference in approach should not be allowed to come in the way of friendship and cooperation. Indeed it should be an inducement to them to understand each other more.
I have followed closely the important announcements you have made on many occasions recently and the stress you have laid on peace. As you have been good enough to say, there is no alternative to peace if we aim at a happy and fruitful world. For our part, we shall endeavour to our utmost capacity to work for this cause.
With all good wishes to you, Mr. President, for Christmas and the coming year, and with my regards,
Sincerely yours,
- The complete folder title reads as follows: “Prime Minister Nehru’s Correspondence with Eisenhower/Dulles 1953–1961”.↩