For favour of publication

Summary

In this one-page press statement dated Bombay, February 5, 1964, M. R. Masani challenges the Ministry of External Affairs’ denial that India had assured Ceylon’s Prime Minister, Sirimavo Bandaranaike, that Indian troops would not advance to the McMahon Line. Masani argues that the relevant question is not whether the Government of India formally gave the assurance, but whether the Prime Minister did so, as Bandaranaike’s letter reportedly stated. He notes that the Ministry had not seen the letter and suggests that its public response improperly evaded the issue.

Masani further argues that the Ministry’s technical objection has become untenable after the text of Bandaranaike’s letter was sent to Lal Bahadur Shastri, who was handling the External Affairs portfolio. He calls on the Government to contact Bandaranaike, establish the facts, and inform Chou En-lai accordingly. The statement frames the dispute as a test of governmental candour, warning that withholding information could revive public suspicion associated with the disclosure of the occupation of Aksai Chin by Chinese Communist forces and suggest that India was again being misled in the interest of appeasing Communist China.

Key points

• Masani disputes the Ministry of External Affairs’ denial concerning an assurance to Ceylon about Indian troop movements near the McMahon Line.
• He distinguishes between an assurance given by the Government of India and one given personally by the Prime Minister.
• The statement says that Sirimavo Bandaranaike’s letter identifies Ali Sabri and Ofori Atta as witnesses, but no Indian officials.
• Masani argues that the Ministry’s claim not to have seen the letter is no longer a valid technical objection after its text was sent to Lal Bahadur Shastri.
• He urges the Government to consult Bandaranaike, determine the facts, and communicate the result to Chou En-lai.
• The statement links official secrecy to public distrust arising from the earlier withholding of information about Aksai Chin.
• Masani warns that continued silence could foster the belief that the Indian people are again being misled to appease Communist China.