Message from M.P.M. Menon, Under Secretary, East European Division, 'Record of discussion between the Soviet CDA and Secretary (EAST)'

SECRET

IMMEDIATE

FROM: M.P.M Menon, Under Secretary, East Europe Division

TO: Foreign Secretary

DATE: September 22, 1973

Record of discussion between the Soviet CDA and Secretary (EAST) on 22^nd September 1973

After the exchange of courtesies the Soviet CDA said:

“Having received instructions, I am conveying the request of the Soviet Government to the Government of India regarding India’s taking up on herself the representation of the USSR interests in Chile in connection with the Soviet Government’s decision to break off the diplomatic relations with Chile.”

Secretary (E) assured the Soviet CDA that in view of our friendly relations, we would do whatever we can. He pointed out to the Soviet CDA that the only hitch was that India had not yet recognized the new regime in Chile. He added that he hoped the new regime of Chile would not raise any objection to our looking after the interests of the USSR.

The Soviet CDA enquired whether this meant India’s acceptance of the Soviet request.

Secretary (E) said that this could be taken as informal acceptance in principle. The formal acceptance would follow as soon as the repercussions relating to recognition of the new Government in Chile was worked out. As the Soviet Union may be aware, India is not too keen on granting early recognition to the new Government. Secretary (E) pointed out to the Soviet CDA that Article 45 of the Geneva Convention required that the Government of Chile should also accept India taking over the duties of the Protecting Power. He added that he would get in touch with the Soviet Charge d’affaires as soon as they had worked out the question and repercussions relating to recognition.

The Soviet CDA thanked Secretary (E) for showing consideration to the Soviet request.