[Letter from Mr Minoo Masani]

Summary

In this letter dated November 9, 1967, M. R. Masani objects to the appointment of Mr. S. S. Dhawan as India’s High Commissioner in Britain. Masani argues that Dhawan’s publicly expressed hostility toward Britain makes him unsuitable to represent India in a Commonwealth country that India’s government describes as a friend and from which India was receiving substantial economic aid.

Masani supports his objection by quoting Dhawan’s article in Blitz of January 29, 1966, which accused Britain of treachery and of seeking India’s disruption. He presents the article as part of a longer record rather than a temporary lapse, noting Dhawan’s role in the Blitz National Forum and his authorship of foreign-policy articles in the National Herald under the pseudonym “Sanjaya.” The letter is addressed to Cyril Dunn, correspondent of The Observer, in New Delhi.

Key points

• Masani challenges the appointment of S. S. Dhawan as India’s High Commissioner in Britain.
• He treats Dhawan’s alleged hostility toward Britain as incompatible with diplomatic representation.
• The letter quotes Dhawan’s 1966 Blitz article as evidence of anti-British views.
• Masani argues that Dhawan’s position was sustained over time, not a temporary aberration.
• The argument invokes Britain’s Commonwealth relationship with India and its provision of economic aid.
• Masani also points to Dhawan’s political and journalistic roles, including writing under the pseudonym “Sanjaya.”