Dear Prime Minister: You will recall that, during our talks in New Delhi last December,1 I mentioned the forthcoming conference in Geneva on the Law of the Sea.2 I expressed the hope that you would be able to support a compromise formula of a six-mile territorial sea, coupled with a six-mile contiguous fishing zone. With the gratifying support of the Indian Government, such a proposal came close to adoption at the last conference in 1958.3
You were good enough to say that you saw no objection to India’s giving renewed support to such a compromise, but added that you could not commit yourself without discussing the matter with your cabinet colleagues.
I understand that since our talks the United States position has been explained to the Indian Government in some detail by Ambassador Bunker and other American officials.4 I know that Mr. Bunker would be glad to talk to you further if you so desire.
I am writing to you now, as the time for the conference approaches, because it seems to me especially important that our two governments work together for its success. I hope that, since the occasion of our talks, the Indian Government will have found it possible to support such a compromise proposal as I mentioned. Our information indicates that a formula along some such lines affords the only probable basis for a conference agreement.
The Law of the Sea is a troubled area of international law, where much can be accomplished in removing a serious cause of international tensions if agreement is reached. The contribution which India can make in securing conference agreement is enormous. I hope that your government’s delegation will work, as will mine, for the adoption of a sound and realistic limit to the territorial seas and a successful Conference.5
With best wishes and warm personal regard, Sincerely
