[Telegram to Mr Minoo Masani]

Summary

In this letter dated 12 April 1964, C. Rajagopalachari writes to M. R. Masani after a demanding election tour in the Aruppukkottai constituency. He acknowledges Masani’s letters and says he will respond more fully after considering them, enclosing an advance copy of Swarajya containing his remarks on the Kashmir issue.

Rajagopalachari urges Masani to continue expressing their considered views on Kashmir and India-Pakistan relations rather than adjust their position to current public opinion or immediate Swatantra Party interests. He argues that some issues require party interests to be set aside, that their position may ultimately strengthen the party’s prestige, and that foreign policy should not become a rigid party matter. He closes by stressing the importance of preserving disagreement, friendship, and goodwill between India and Pakistan.

Key points

• The letter is dated 12 April 1964 and is addressed to M. R. Masani.
• Rajagopalachari describes an exhausting three-day election tour in the Aruppukkottai constituency.
• He encloses an advance copy of Swarajya containing his remarks on the Kashmir issue.
• He advises Masani to preserve their own considered views rather than follow current public opinion.
• He argues that party interests should sometimes be subordinated to wider national concerns.
• He maintains that foreign policy should not be made a rigid party affair.
• He links independent discussion of Kashmir with the possibility of India-Pakistan friendship and goodwill.
• He explicitly defends the continued expression of differences of opinion.