[Letter from Mr Minoo Masani]

Summary

In this letter dated November 9, 1967, M. R. Masani challenges the Government of India’s appointment of S. S. Dhawan as High Commissioner in Britain. Masani argues that Dhawan had publicly expressed hostility toward Britain, making his appointment inappropriate for representing India in a Commonwealth country that had supported India economically and politically.

Masani cites Dhawan’s January 1966 article in Blitz, which accused Britain of betraying India and disrupting the country, and argues that this was not an isolated statement. He further points to Dhawan’s leadership of the Blitz National Forum in Lucknow and his articles in the National Herald under the pseudonym “Sanjaya,” which Masani characterizes as consistently apologetic toward Soviet foreign policy. The letter is addressed only to “The Editor” and does not identify the publication receiving it.

Key points

• Masani questions whether a person who has publicly expressed hostility toward Britain should be appointed India’s High Commissioner there.
• He identifies S. S. Dhawan as the appointee and criticizes the Prime Minister and Government for making the appointment.
• Masani quotes Dhawan’s claim that Britain was an implacable foe of a strong and united India.
• He argues that Dhawan’s position was not a temporary aberration but part of a sustained record of foreign-policy writing.
• The letter links Dhawan’s writing to what Masani calls an apologetic stance toward Soviet foreign policy.
• Masani contrasts Dhawan’s view of Britain with Britain’s Commonwealth relationship with India, friendship, and substantial economic aid.
• The letter illustrates a Cold War-era dispute over India’s diplomatic representation and its orientation toward Britain and the Soviet Union.