[Letter to Kripalani]

Summary

In this letter dated 15 July 1963, M. R. Masani thanks Acharya J. B. Kripalani for forwarding correspondence with Jai Prakash Narayan and expresses regret that their discussion became public. Masani agrees that the idea of a minimum programme will have to be set aside for the moment.

Masani says he will not reach Delhi until 12 August but hopes to meet Kripalani then. He notes that C. Rajagopalachari may visit Delhi around 13 or 14 August, creating an opportunity for further discussions. The letter also stresses the need for discretion: Masani fears that premature publicity could undermine efforts to reach an understanding and generate unnecessary press speculation.

Key points

• Masani acknowledges Kripalani’s letters of 27 June and 4 July and correspondence involving Jai Prakash Narayan.
• He regrets that the discussion was conducted publicly.
• The proposal for a minimum programme is temporarily being set aside.
• Masani expects to be in Delhi from 12 August and hopes to meet Kripalani.
• A possible visit by Rajaji on 13 or 14 August could allow further discussions.
• He argues that publicity and press speculation can damage political negotiations.