690D.91/4–2353: Telegram
The Chargé in India (Mills) to the Department of State
3918. Eyes only Secretary from Paul Hoffman. I saw Nehru for 45 minutes evening April 23. I told him that following my conversations with new Pakistan officials over week end in Karachi I considered that moment was particlarly opportune for the conversations he is planning have with Mohammed Ali, new Pakistan Prime Minister. He asked me why I thought moment opportune. I replied that new Prime Minister was determined to meet him more than half way in order reach settlement Kashmir and other differences since Ali realized absolutely essential for Pakistan to achieve solid understanding with India so it could cut down its exorbitant expenditures on defense. Nehru said he had barely heard of Mohammed Ali before recent events.
In spite of this somewhat negative reaction, he did not withdraw in any way from his previous commitment to do everything possible to settle by direct negotiations with Pakistan the differences dividing the two countries.
I am leaving India tonight hopeful that my visit here and in Pakistan has helped create climate favorable to successful direct negotiations between the two countries.