[Letter to C Rajagopalachari]

Summary

In this letter dated June 19, 1970, M. R. Masani writes to C. Rajagopalachari (“Rajaji”) about the evolving draft of an unspecified document. Masani says the draft has improved in some respects but has also become somewhat diluted. He records that he resisted pressure to include Kashmir and the nuclear bomb in ways contrary to their position, and notes with satisfaction that neither subject appears in the current draft.

Masani also reports that responsibility for the next stage now rests with the Congress Working Committee and the AICC. He expects to be in Delhi on June 29 for meetings, including a meeting of the Consultative Committee for the Ministry of External Affairs, and invites Rajagopalachari to share any further thoughts before his departure. The letter additionally confirms revised dates for meetings in Madras in July, arranged in deference to Andhra colleagues and Mr. and Mrs. Lobo Prabhu.

Key points

• Masani encloses a revised draft and judges it improved in some respects but somewhat diluted.
• He says he resisted pressure to include Kashmir and the nuclear bomb in a manner adverse to their political position.
• Neither Kashmir nor the nuclear bomb appears in the current draft.
• Masani expects the Congress Working Committee and the AICC to determine the next steps.
• He will attend meetings in Delhi on June 29, including a consultation connected with the Ministry of External Affairs.
• Meetings in Madras have been rescheduled for July 20, 21, and 22.