HVK Archives: Dear Mrs Albright
Dear Mrs Albright - Organiser
M V Kamath
()
23 March 1997
Title : Dear Mrs Albright
Author : M V Kamath
Publication : Organiser
Date : March 23, 1997
Dear Mrs Albright: Namaste (It is, in case you have't been briefed,
the Indian way of respectfully, greeting friends and strangers).
And congratulations on being confirmed as the Secretary of State,
especially since you are the first woman to attain this position of
power in the, entire history of the United States. May You utilise
it for bringing peace to all mankind.
Now, Mrs Albright, to some business. I understand that You told the
Senate Committee that the United States is now getting ready to
devote more attention to Latin America. Africa and South Asia. By
South Asia you presumably mean India and Pakistan. We also
understand that President Clinton is planning to visit India any
time between August 1997 and August 1998. 1 am not quite sure
whether to feel honoured or concerned.
It used to be said in the past that the United States' attitude
towards South Asia and India particularly was one of benign
neglect. Maybe that wasn't a bad idea after all. We in India would
rather that we are neglected than be imposed upon. Please, Mrs
Albright, tell Mr President that if it is his intention to read to
India a sermon on human rights or the necessity of signing the
Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty, he had better stay home.
Let me be a bit more explicit. In all these years since m,-e
became independent, the United States has shown a deep antipathy
towards India that is even painful to recall. We had done your
country no harm. but we can't say the same thing about what you
have done to us. We have scars to show.
First in the matter of Kashmir. Since 1947 your country has
consistently backed Pakistan against us. Your country armed
Pakistan to the teeth and Pakistan has used these arms against us,
not once, but on three separate occasions. That is old history..
I want to tell you one thing. Kashmir is an inalienable part of
India. And when I say Kashmir. included in that term is that part
of the State which has been forcibly occupied by Pakistan. Kashmir
is not negotiable. Not now, not ever.
Second. in the matter of arming Pakistan. Your government might
make the plea that the arms were given not to attack India but to
strengthen Pakistan in a joint effort to contain the erstwhile
Soviet Union. You should know by. now that it is a bogus plea.
If, therefore, You want to improve relations with India, you need
to do two things: tell Pakistan, as bluntly as possible, to keep
its hands off Kashmir on pain of severe reaction. If it persists
in its folly, cut it off from all aid, military and financial.
Kindly remember, India has no eyes on Pakistan territory. We do
not covet a square inch of Pakistan. We don't want to add to our
troubles.
Third, in the matter of using Pakistan to control Afghanistan and
influencing the Commonwealth of Independent States in Central Asia.
Your tactics have already all but destroyed Afghanistan. God alone
knows what you have in mind to influence the CIS countries.
At this point let me tell you one thing that you won't hear either
from our embassy in Washington or from our own Ministry of External
Affairs in Delhi. Afghanistan and the CIS countries fall
legitimately under India's sphere of influence. We know we can't
keep you out. But that doesn't mean that we shouldn't tell you
what we feel.
You have a Monroe Doctrine, enunciated as early as 1823 that
remains good even now which states that the US will not accept new
colonisation of the Americas or European interference in American
nations. We do not like our interference in the Indian Ocean rim
countries whether it be Iraq or Iran. We do not regard them,
incidentally as "rougue" countries. We should like to enunciate a
Monroe Doctrine of our own that keeps on out.
We know we can't do it, but again, the fact that we are helpless
does not mean, and should not be taken to mean. that fire accept
your right to interference anywhere in the Indian Ocean rim
countries as and when it suits you.
Fourth, and this is in regard to CTBT. Our position has been well
stated by our Government already at the United Nations. Nobody in
this country wants a nuclear war. But neither does anybody wish the
Government to let its guard down. In any event your Government
which dropped two nuclear bombs on Japan and contemplated dropping
similar bombs elsewhere in the world should be the last to pretend
to nuclear virginity. Kindly don't read lectures to us.
Fifth, and this is in regard to the United Nations. Your country
owes the United Nations over $3 billion. With interest due over
the years the amount could well be over $4 billion. In any
self-respecting Club a member who does not pay his dues is thrown
out. But your country not only has reneged on your dues but it is
ordering the Secretary, General of the United Nations how he should
run his show. Don't be surprised if India, in the future. ceases
to participate in UN activities, even while retaining its
membership. If you want to run the United Nations as You please.
there is no reason why India should acquiesce with your bullying.
Sixth, and this is in connection with India's claim to a permanent
seat in the Security Council. We note that you are opposed to
India's claim, which is well-deserved and legitimate. Kindly note
that the present permanent membership is Euro-centered. You may
deny India what is its right, but some day you may come to regret
it. In agreeing to India's claim you are not doing it a favour.
Seventh, and this is in regard to alliance. India wants to remain
on the best terms possible with all countries and that includes
Russia and China. And we wish to retain our freedom to serve our
own interests, first and foremost. In the circumstances aye do not
wish to get entangled in alliances aimed at any one country. Kindly
respect our wishes.
Above all, Madam Secretary, learn to treat India with respect.
Threatening India with all sorts of consequences if eve do not fall
in line with your diktats will take you nowhere. India's
self-respect is not for sale, barter or challenge. If you want
India's friendship, treat India with due respect, as an equal.
And thank you for replacing Robin Raphel as Assistant Secretary of
State for South Asia. The lady has done enough to damage
Indo-American relations. May I hope that her successor would have
better sense than to make unsought pronouncements on Kashmir that
only serve to exacerbate feelings, without contributing in any way
to establish peace in South Asia. We need America's friendship but
not at the cost of our security and self-respect. Namaste again.
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