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NEPAL Vol. I [March 1969-July 1974] [1 of 2]
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NEPAL Vol. I [March 1969-July 1974] [1 of 2]
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DOCUMENT WITHDRAWAL RECORD [NIXON PROJECT]
DOCUMENT
DOCUMENT
NUMBER
TYPE
SUBJECT/TITLE OR CORRESPONDENTS
DATE
RESTRICTION
2a
report
Biography
N/D
A
DECLASSIFIED PER RAC REVIEW 9/5/2008
4
memo
Laise to the President
8/28/72
a
8
memo
Kissinger to the President
1/24/20
B
17a
report
Biography
N/D
A
DECLASSIFIED por RAC REVIEW 9/24/2008
18a
report
Biography
NID
B
FOR RAC REVIOW
SANITIZED
9/24/2008
19
telegram
Kathmandu to Secstate
8/1/74
B
POR RAC REVIEW
SANITIZED
8/28/2008
21
telegram
Kathmandu to secotate
Por PAC REVIOW
7/6/24
w
SANITIZED
8/28/2008
22
telegram
Kathmandu to Secslate
7/3/74
B
SANITIZED
Paz RAC REVIEW
8/28/2008
28
telegram
Kathmandu to Secstate
11/2/73
3
SANITIZED
pon RAC REVIEW
8/28/2008
30
telegram
Kathmandu to Securate
7/31/73
B
pon BAC REVIEW
SANITIZED
1/27/2009
31
telegram
Kathmandu to Sastate
7/31/73
B
33
telegram
Kathmandu to Secstate
7/5/72
B
FILE GROUP TITLE
BOX NUMBER
NSC
623
FOLDER TITLE
1
RESTRICTION CODES
A. Release would violate a Federal statute or Agency Policy.
E. Release would disclose trade secrets or confidential commercial or
B. National security classified information.
financial information.
C. Pending or approved claim that release would violate an individual's
F. Release would disclose investigatory information compiled for law
rights.
enforcement purposes.
D. Release would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of privacy
G. Withdrawn and return private and personal material.
or a libel of a living person.
H. Withdrawn and returned non-historical material.
NATIONAL ARCHIVES AND RECORDS ADMDNSTRSSIFUED pursuant to
NA 14021 (4-85)
DOCUMENT WITHDRAWAL RECORD [NIXON PROJECT]
DOCUMENT
DOCUMENT
NUMBER
TYPE
SUBJECT/TITLE OR CORRESPONDENTS
DATE
RESTRICTION
51
telegram
Secstate to Kathmandu
8/15/73
B
SANITIZED
PER RAC REVIEW
8/28/2008
69
report
Intelligence Information Report
11/22/71
B
FILE GROUP TITLE
BOX NUMBER
NSC
623
FOLDER TITLE
\
RESTRICTION CODES
A. Release would violate a Federal statute or Agency Policy.
E. Release would disclose trade secrets or confidential commercial or
B. National security classified information.
financial information.
C. Pending or approved claim that release would violate an individual's
F. Release would disclose investigatory information compiled for law
rights.
enforcement purposes.
D. Release would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of privacy
G. Withdrawn and return private and personal material.
or a libel of a living person.
H. Withdrawn and returned non-historical material.
NATIONAL ARCHIVES AND RECORDS ADNDECSARSIFIED pursuant to review 3-35200024
NA 14021 (4-85)
6837
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
October 28, 1972
Dear Carol:
Just a word to thank you for your letter following
our talk in Honolulu about your post-Nepal prefer-
ences. I fully appreciate your instincts and trust
that something mutually satisfying to both you and
Ellsworth can be worked out. In the interim, we will
have your thoughts in mind.
It was, as always, a pleasure to see both of you again,
Warm regards,
Henry A. Kissinger
The Honorable
Carol C. Laise
American Ambassador
Kathmandu
Dispatched 10/28/72
BTM
by STATE Poneti
DECLASSIFIED pursuant to review under E.O. 13526
fg
MEMORANDUM
NATIONAL SECURITY COUNCIL
Holder
CONFIDENTIAL
October 12, 1972
MEMORANDUM FOR:
DR.KISSINGER
THROUGH:
JEANNE DAVIS
FROM:
HAROLDH. SAUNDERS Hal
SUBJECT:
Letter from Ambassador Carol Laise
I understand that you have noted the attached letter from Carol Laise (Tab B)
following your chat with her in Honolulu about her career preferences
after Nepal. You will recall that, among other things suggested for
the still vacant ambassadorial posts in Pakistan and India was the
possibility of moving Carol Laise from Kathmandu to Delhi. I don't
know your thoughts on this or whether you raised the prospect in Hono-
lulu, but several thoughts emerge in this letter that would seem to rule
this out. Carol says she has ruled out a line job, would like a Washington
assignment, and, in any event, seems to contemplate some time in
Washington before any new assignment. On the other hand, I have no
idea whether she and Ambassador Bunker have ever thought of a post
in New Delhi together in the near future, or whether you, Laise and Bunker
have discussed other possibilities.
Other than registering her preferences with you, this letter would seem
to require no immediate action re assignment prospects. However, you
may wish to thank her for the letter and she indicates she may be in fur-
ther correspondence with you on this subject.
Recommendations:
1. That you sign the letter to Ambassador Laise
at Tab A.
2. That Jeanne Davis send a copy of the Laise
letter and reply to Mr. Flanigan
.
CONFIDENTIAL
Mahe sure that Mr. Bunker
postion Director peribin
is given Serior Summir
DECLASSIFIED pursuant to review under E.O. 13526
NATIONAL SECURITY COUNCIL
September 18
TO HAL SAUNDERS
At least HA K is taking an
interest! I suppose this doesn't
really need a reply, but [ think a
brief acknowledgeme: nt would be
nice. If you agree, could we have
a draft, please.
JeaRAM Davis
DECLASSIFIED pursuant to review under E.O. 13526
6831
Kathmandu, Nepal
September 5, 1972
PERSONAL AND CONFIDENTIAL
Dear Henry:
This is just to say thank you for your kindness and con-
sideration in endorsing my trip to Honolulu with Ellsworth
and giving me some of your time while I was there. The
solitude of the Himalayas is good for the soul no doubt,
but it leaves something to be desired in matters of the mind
and heart.
I appreciate your concern and interest about "After Nepal,
What? " but I wonder, in retrospect, whether I was able to
make myself entirely clear. To avoid any confusion, per-
haps, I should jot down what I had in mind, if you can bear
with some repetition.
My desire is to have a life together with Ellsworth and if
possible to continue to serve in the Foreign Service wherever
it is felt I can be useful. Past experience suggests that I can-
not do justice to either Ellsworth or the Service in the kind of
line job which would interest me. Therefore, a staff position
where one isn't under the gun of crises and deadlines seems
indicated. One such position which interested me and which
was offered to me earlier this year is Coordinator of the
Senior Seminar. When I had to pass this up, circumstances
conspired to bring one our ablest Career Ministers into the
job - Sam Berger. The appointment is normally for a minimum
of two years. Thus, until Sam completes the term or moves on
to something bigger, the job is not open for consideration as far
The Honorable Henry A. Kissinger
The White House
Washington, D. C.
PERSONAL AND CONFIDENTIAL
DECLASSIFIED pursuant to review under E.O. 13526
PERSONAL AND CONFIDENTIAL
2
I am concerned. If an important assignment for Sam creates
a vacancy, I should be happy to be considered again; other-
wise I would want to explore other openings of interest, though
at the moment I cannot be specific as to my preferences.
With your interest and the Department's assurances that they
will do their best to accommodate my wishes, I think things
are in good hands and do not worry, but I will, if I may,
continue to be in touch.
In any case there seems to be plenty of time as Ellsworth and
I will want to have a good leave and a chance to establish our-
selves in Washington before taking on a new assignment.
In the meantime, I'll be hoping - in the sailors' vernacular -
that the wind will be at your back and the sailing smooth in
the months ahead.
Gratefully yours,
Came
Carol C. Laise
Ambassador
PERSONAL AND CONFIDENTIAL
DECLASSIFIED pursuant to review under E.O. 13526
DOC
RECD
LOG NBR
MO DA
MO DA HR
NSC CORRESPONDENCE PROFILE
9
9
6837
LOG IN/OUT ONLY
INITIAL YOUD ACTION OFF
TO: PRES
FROM: ELIOT
U
KISSINGER X
NO FORN
NODIS
ROGERS, W
LOU
BUO
EXDIS
DOC SOURCE/CLASS/DESCRIPTION
HAIG
LAIRD, M
6
X
EYES ONLY
LIMDIS
LAISE, Carol 'S
CODE WORD
RES DATA
Thoughts Aban & Future assignment Hussibelitin
SUBJECT: Thanks for Considertisis AT TS Hanrin SENSITIVE and Confirms
REFERENCE: S/S
OTHER
NOT XEROXED
APP'TS:
PRES
HAK
TALKER
MEMCON
DATE REQ.
INTERNAL ROUTING AND DISTRIBUTION
ACTION REQUIRED
ACTION
INFO
REC
MEMO FOR HAK
(
)
CY
ADVANCE CYS TO HAK/HAIG
FOR
MEMO FOR PRES.
(
)
STAFF SECRETARY
REPLY FOR
SIGNATURE
(
)
FAR EAST
FOR DISTRIBUTION/DISPATCH
(
)
SECRETARIAT DISTRIBUTION/ACTION
SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA
MEMO
TO
(
)
NR EAST/NORTH AFRICA
RECOMMENDATIONS
(
)
EUROPE/CANADA
JOINT MEMO
(
)
LATIN AMERICA
REFER TO STATE
(
)
UNITED NATIONS
ANY ACTION NECESSARY
(
)
ECONOMIC
CONCURRENCE
DUE DATE:
LR PLANNING
COMMENTS: (Including Special 9/28 Instructions)
(
)
SCIENTIFIC
PROGRAM ANALYSIS
NSC PLANNING
nated b NCHP +
CONGRESSIONAL
DATE
FROM
TO
S
Daude
10/12/72
Saunders HAK
X
the ACTION the REQUIRED to Lase Deason (10/17) CY TO
INTERNAL/INTERIM ROUTING
10/28
th to Larei
10/28
DAVIS
S
Further Action Are HAR Rote 10/31 Sanda
9/10/73
mo
bsels
C
Haudled orally with Latr file
MICROFILM DATA
CROSS REF WITH
NOTIFY
DATE
SEE LOG
DISPATCH: LETTER MEMO
Done Bym 10/28/72
DO you
INIT
DISPOSITION
JOINED BY LOG
COPIES: (AS MARKED ABOVE)
SEP
21973 DATE
SPECIAL FILE RQMT:
SA,
HP,
HM
ORIG)
NSC
SPECIAL DISPOSITION COMMENTS:
by STATE ponct
TO )
PAF
WHC
SUSPENSE CY ATTACHED:
YES
NO
SUBF
* GPO: 1972-455-927
DECLASSIFIED pursuant to review under E.O. 13526
133
133
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
January 16, 1973
MEMORANDUM FOR
THE SECRETARY OF STATE
The President concurs with your opinion and
has requested that you inform the Government
of Nepal that the appointment of Yadu Nath Khanal
as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary
of the Government of Nepal would be agreeable
to the Government of the United States.
to A.
Henry A. Kissinger
DECLASSIFIED pursuant to review under E.O. 13526
MEMORANDUM
NATIONAL SECURITY COUNCIL
ACTION
133
CONFIDENTIAL (GDS)
January 12, 1973
MEMORANDUM FOR:
MRS. JEANNE W. DAVIS
FROM:
HAROLD H. SAUNDERS Hal
SUBJECT:
New Nepalese Ambassador
I see no reason for not going ahead with the attached Agrement.
Carol Laise has known this gentleman very well and commends him
highly. Although he is not one of the younger group around the new
young King, he is an elder statesman of such repute that Carol thinks
he will have the respect of the governing group in Katmandu. Having
spent a year in Harvard, he knows the US reasonably well and should
be an effective interpreter of US policy to his government.
CONFIDENTIAL(GDS)
DECLASSIFIED pursuant to review under E.O. 13526
133
7300275
THE SECRETARY OF STATE
WASHINGTON
January 8, 1973
CONFIDENTIAL
Dear Mr. President:
The Government of Nepal has inquired whether our
Government agrees to the appointment of Yadu Nath Khanal
as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Nepal
to the United States. A biography of Ambassador Khanal is
enclosed. A thorough review of United States Government
records reveals no grounds for objection.
I believe this appointment would be satisfactory. If
you concur, I shall be pleased to inform the Government of
Nepal.
Respectfully,
William P. Rogers
Enclosure:
Biography.
The President,
The White House.
GDS--DECLAS Dec. 31, 1979
DECLASSIFIED pursuant to review under E.O. 13526
CONFIDENTIAL
BIOGRAPHY - Yadu Nath Khanal
Nepal
Yadu Nath Khanal, a well respected professor and most able
civil servant, has been selected by King Birendra as Nepal's
new Ambassador to the United States.
Khanal, a Hindu of the Brahmin caste, was born in Western
Nepal on August 13, 1913. He completed his basic education in
Nepal and then went to Calcutta University where he received an
M.A. in English literature in 1941. He also studied in London
(1950) and at the University of Oregon under a U.S. AID grant
(1954). In 1971, Professor Khanal was an international fellow at
the Harvard Center for International Affairs.
Ambassador Khanal began his political career as principal
private secretary to Prime Minister T. P. Acharya in 1955 and
later served as a member of the National Planning Council. His
most significant contribution to Nepal, however, is in his
capacity as the foremost interpreter of Nepalese foreign policy.
As Foreign Secretary in 1961-63 and 1967-70 and as Ambassador to
India and Pakistan from 1963-67, Khanal helped implement a policy
designed to balance Nepal between its two large neighbors while
increasing the world's interest in the preservation of Nepalese
sovereignty.
Ambassador Khanal has traveled widely: in 1955 he was
secretary to the Nepalese delegation to the Bandung Conference;
in 1958, 1960 and 1967 he served as a member of the Nepalese
delegation to the UN General Assembly; he attended the Non-
aligned Conferences in Belgrade (1961) and Cairo (1964); he
accompanied the late King on official visits to Yugoslavia
(1961), Pakistan (1961), China (1961), India (1963; 1965), the
United Arab Republic (1964), the United States (1967) and Japan
(1970).
Khana1 has written several articles on foreign policy. His
other interests include reading, badminton, and contract bridge.
He is married and has two daughters and a son. He speaks English
flawlessly.
A thorough search of United States Government sources reveals
no grounds for objection.
DECLASSIFIED
E.O. 13526, Section 3.5
CONFIDENTIAL
PER (CAC REVIEW 9/15/2008
By 415 NARA, Date 4/26/2012
[p. of
DECLASSIFIED pursuant to review under E.O. 13526
DOC
RECD
LOG NBR
12
INITIAL ACTION OFF
MO DA
MO DA HR
NSC CORRESPONDENCE PROPILE
108
1099
733
LOG IN/OUT Holding ONLY
TO: PRES
X
FROM: ELIOT
U
NO FORN
NODIS
KISSINGER
ROGERS, W x
LOU
BUO
EXDIS
DOC SOURCE/CLASS/DESCRIPTION
HAIG
LAIRD, M
C X
EYES ONLY
LIMDIS
S
CODE WORD
RES DATA
TS
SENSITIVE
SUBJECT: agrement of nepal's yadu nath Khanal as
amble to US
REFERENCE:
S/S 7300275 OTHER
NOT XEROXED
APP'TS: PRES
HAK
TALKER
MEMCON
DATE REQ.
INTERNAL ROUTING AND DISTRIBUTION
ACTION REQUIRED
ACTION
INFO
REC
MEMO FOR HAK
(
)
CY
ADVANCE CYS TO HAK/HAIG
FOR
MEMO FOR PRES.
(
)
STAFF SECRETARY
REPLY FOR
SIGNATURE
(
)
FAR EAST
FOR DISTRIBUTION/DISPATCH
(
)
SECRETARIAT DISTRIBUTION/ACTION
SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA
MEMO
TO
(
)
NR EAST/NORTH AFRICA
RECOMMENDATIONS
(
)
EUROPE/CANADA
JOINT MEMO
(
)
LATIN AMERICA
REFER TO STATE
A
(
,
UNITED NATIONS
NECESSARY
(
)
ECONOMIC
DUE DATE:
LR PLANNING
COMMENTS: (Including Special 01/15 Instructions)
CONCURRENCE
(
)
SCIENTIFIC
PROGRAM ANALYSIS
NSC PLANNING
A Follow agrimen procedures
CONGRESSIONAL
DATE
FROM
TO
S
ACTION REQUIRED
CY TO
1/9
Johns
NSC/S
send to Saunder for action
INTERNAL/INTERIM ROUTING
1/9
Arunden
S
Tresfand from JHH 1/15
1/12/
Saunders
Davis
$
1/16
C
MAK to Ragins
MICROFILM DATA
CROSS REF WITH
NOTIFY
DATE
SEE LOG
Done Scott 1/16
DO
DISPATCH: LETTER/MEMO
DISPOSITION
JOINED BY LOG
COPIES: (AS MARKED ABOVE)
SPECIAL FILE RQMT:
SA,
HP,
HM
JAN/18/1973
TO )
PAF
SPECIAL DISPOSITION COMMENTS:
WHC
SUSPENSE CY ATTACHED:
YES
NO
SUBF
GPO: 1972-455-927
DECLASSIFIED pursuant to review under E.O. 13526
NSC/S
NATIONAL SECURITY COUNCIL
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20506
VIA LDX
NSC -8766
CONFIDENTIAL
January 16, 1973
MEMORANDUM FOR:
Mr. Theodore L. Eliot, Jr.
Executive Secretary
Department of State
SUBJECT:
Presidential Appointment for Former Japanese
Prime Minister Sato (S/S 7220049) - (S/S 7300638)
To confirm our telephone notification, the President will see former
Prime Minister Sato on Thursday, January 25 at 11:30 AM for ap-
proximately 60 minutes. Would you please confirm acceptance.
We have no objection to Mrs. Ushiba accompanying Mrs. Sato to her
tea with Mrs. Nixon on January 24 at 3 PM. Would you please provide
a brief memorandum of talking points and bios.
Jeanne W. Davis
Staff 0m Secretary
MICROFILM DATA
DOX
INIT
JAN 1 8 DATE 1973
ORIG)
NSC
)
PAF
TO
WHC
SUBF
DECLASSIFIED pursuant to review under E.O. 13526
7300638
8766
department OF STATE
Washington, D.C. 20520
January 13, 1973
MEMORANDUM FOR MR. HENRY A. KISSINGER
THE WHITE HOUSE
Subject: Meeting with Mrs. Nixon for
Mrs. Sato
The Japanese Embassy has informed us of
Mrs. Sato's acceptance of Mrs. Nixon's invitation
for tea in the Oval Room on Wednesday, January 24,
at 3:00 p.m., for herself, Mrs. Kimura and
Mrs. Yamanaka.
The Japanese Embassy also noted that in
accord with Japanese protocol, it would be customary
for the wife of Ambassador Ushiba to accompany
Mrs. Sato's party to tea with Mrs. Nixon, and
asked that we obtain White House concurrence in this
arrangement.
mJH
Theodore L. Eliot, Jr.
Executive Secretary
DECLASSIFIED pursuant to review under E.O. 13526
NIXON PRESIDENTIAL MATERIALS PROJECT
DOCUMENT CONTROL RECORD
ITEM REMOVED FROM THIS FILE FOLDER
A RESTRICTED DOCUMENT OR CASE FILE HAS BEEN REMOVED FROM
THIS FILE FOLDER. FOR A DESCRIPTION OF THE ITEM REMOVED
AND THE REASON FOR ITS REMOVAL, CONSULT DOCUMENT ENTRY
NUMBER 4
ON EITHER THE DOCUMENT WITHDRAWAL RECORD
(GSA FORM 7279 OR NA FORM 1421) OR NARA WITHDRAWAL SHEET
(GSA FORM 7122) LOCATED IN THE FRONT OF THIS FILE FOLDER.
NATIONAL ARCHIVES AND RECORDS ADMINISTRATION
NLN Form 101 (revised 6-85)
DECLASSIFIED pursuant to review under E.O. 13526
2474
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
March 29, 1972
Dear Carol:
It was a pleasure to hear from you again. I am
sorry that we did not have the opportunity to meet
during your fast trip here, but I am pleased to
know of your satisfaction at the way things have
worked out.
You may be interested to know that in a recent
letter to the President thanking him for the annual
foreign policy report, King Birendra indicated his
high esteem for you. We all appreciate the fine
job you are doing in Nepal at this critical point in
South Asia.
I trust all continues to go well with you.
Warm regards,
Henry A. Kissinger
The Honorable
Carol C. Laise
American Ambassador
Kathmandu
Dispatched via State Pouch 3/30/72 (rb)
DECLASSIFIED pursuant to review under E.O. 13526
2474
MEMORANDUM
CONFIDENTIAL
NATIONAL SECURITY COUNCIL
ACTION
MEMORANDUM FOR
DR. KISSINGER
FROM:
HAROLD H. SAUNDERS
SUBJECT:
Letter from Ambassador Laise in Nepal
You have a very warm letter at Tab B from Ambassador Carol Laise thank-
ing you for the support you gave last month in a critical period -- aftermath
of the Indo-Soviet treaty, South Asian war and the King's death -- to the main-
tenance of a steady US presence in Nepal. She feels your assistance resulted
in a timely response from the bureaucracy.
I assume Ambassador Laise is referring to the fact that she was able to
return with instructions to inform the King that the US is prepared to con-
tinue a significant aid program in Nepal involving a greater use of dollar
loans as well as multilateral organizations. Particularly, what this means
is that the US is prepared to pick up the tab for economic assistance in the
event we do not reach a satisfactory agreeme nt with India to continue finan-
cing our aid to Nepal via excess rupees in India. Given the vagaries of the
South Asian situation over the last year and recently the state of US-Indo
relations, the Nepalese were concerned about the US commitment. Ambas-
sador Laise was able to return with reassurances and particularly the fact
that Nepal would not suffer as a result of US-Indian fallout over the rupees
problem.
Ambassador Laise also notes the President's China trip was enthusiastically
received in Nepal.
You may wish to know that the new King, Birendra, wrote the President a
thank-you note (copy at Tab C) for receiving the foreign policy message in
the course of which he praised Ambassador Laise.
You may wish to send a warm letter to reply to Ambassador Laise since
you did not see her while here last month.
Recommendation: That you sign the letter to Ambassador Laise at Tab A.
CONFIDENTIAL
DECLASSIFIED pursuant to review under E.O. 13526
NSC 2474
LIMITED OFFICIAL USE
Kathmandu, Nepal
March 15, 1972
Dear Henry:
Since there was no chance to see you on my recent flying
visit to Washington, I write to tell you how grateful I am
for the support you gave at a critical point last month to
the maintenance of a steady U. S. presence in Nepal.
The effect of three successive events on Nepal - the Indo-
Soviet agreement, the war, and the death of King Mahendra -
has been traumatic. The steadfastness of the U. S. at such
a time is important to help the Nepalese maintain a balanced
approach in external relations and foster healthy develop-
ment internally. While the desirability of such a position
seems self-evident, particularly when the U. S. access and
influence in Nepal rates so high in comparison to our op-
portunities elsewhere in the subcontinent, it is not easy to
get a timely response from the bureaucracy without an assist
such as yours.
I trust that with the modest but dependable support of the
U. S. and King Birendra's limited but useful exposure to
Harvard, U. S. - -Nepal relations will continue to evolve as a
plus for our interests in the area.
The President's visit to China has been enthusiastically
received here. The Nepalese see it as a positive contribution
The Honorable Henry A. Kissinger
The White House
Washington, D. C.
LIMITED OFFICIAL USE
DECLASSIFIED pursuant to review under E.O. 13526
LIMITED OFFICIAL USE
-2-
to a less precarious future, though they know from experience
that the process which has begun will require much patience
and perserverance to produce the beneficial results we all
hope for. Still they are greatly heartened by the start that
has been made, particularly as the local Chinese Mission is
apparently registering considerable euphoria.
With thanks and warm regards,
Sincerely,
Carol
Carol C. Laise
LIMITED OFFICIAL USE
DECLASSIFIED pursuant to review under E.O. 13526
Royal Palace
Rathmandu
Depal
March 9, 1972
Dear Mr. President,
A copy of the third annual review of American foreign
policy sent by you with your letter of February 16, 1972 has reached me and
I am writing to thank you for your consideration in sending it. Since you have
been so kind as to share your personal thoughts on international affairs, I am
NM
taking the liberty of expressing to you some of my own views.
As you are aware, the Kingdom of Nepal is a landlocked
country and consequently faces some problems of transit, trade and other
matters which are peculiar to it. I assume that we will always have friendly
and sympathetic consideration from you personally as well as from your
Administration. In this context, I may mention that my government and I are
of the opinion that continued interest on the part of the United States in line
with the Nixon Doctrine in the affairs of this part of the world will be
beneficial to the stability and progress of the whole region.
The relations between our two countries are characterized
by friendship and co-operation. The American Ambassador at our Court, Her
Excellency Carol C. Laise, has done much to augment the existing friendly
relations, which 1 am sure will become stronger in the years to come.
With best wishes,
Sincerely,
Buindry
Birendra, R.
His Excellency
Mr. Richard M. Nixon
President of the United States
of America
The White House
Washington D.C.
GPO: 1972-455-927
DECLASSIFIED pursuant to review under E.O. 13526
DOC
RECD
G NBR
INITIAL ACTION OFF
MO DA
MO DA HR
NSC CORRESPONDENCE PROFILE
315
3219
02474
LOG IN/OUT ONLY
TO: PRES
FROM: ELIOT
U
NO FORN
NODIS
KISSINGER L
ROGERS, W
LOU l
BUO
EXDIS
DOC SOURCE/CLASS/DESCRIPTION
HAIG
LAIRD, M
C
EYES ONLY
LIMDIS
LAise, CArol
S
CODE WORD
RES DATA
TS
SENSITIVE
Thanks HAK for US support to Nepal During a Crucial Month
SUBJECT:
REFERENCE: S/S
OTHER
NOT XEROXED
APP'TS: PRES
HAK
TALKER
MEMCON
DATE REQ.
INTERNAL ROUTING AND DISTRIBUTION
ACTION REQUIRED
ACTION
INFO
REC
MEMO FOR HAK
(
)
CY
ADVANCE CYS TO HAK/HAIG
FOR
MEMO FOR PRES.
(
)
STAFF SECRETARY
REPLY FOR
HAN SIGNATURE
(
x
)
FAR EAST
FOR DISTRIBUTION/DISPATCH
(
)
SECRETARIAT DISTRIBUTION/ACTION
SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA
X
MEMO
TO
(
)
NR EAST/NORTH AFRICA
x
RECOMMENDATIONS
(
)
EUROPE/CANADA
JOINT MEMO
(
)
LATIN AMERICA
REFER TO STATE
(
)
UNITED NATIONS
ANY ACTION NECESSARY
(
)
ECONOMIC
CONCURRENCE
(
)
SCIENTIFIC
DUE DATE:
LR PLANNING
COMMENTS: (Including Special 3/27 Instructions)
PROGRAM ANALYSIS
NSC PLANNING
CONGRESSIONAL
DATE
FROM
TO
S
3/28/72
Saunders
HAK
X
Sgn ACTION REQUIRED Lhto amb. Lase (1/2) CY
INTERNAL/INTERIM ROUTING
3/29
HAM signed lh to Lase
CROSS REF WITH
NOTIFY
DA
done
MICROFILM DATA
to
DO
DISPATCH: LETTER/MEMO
from
SEE LOG
INIT
DISPOSITION
JOINED BY LOG
COPIES: (AS MARKED ABOVE)
MAR3,
DATE
SPECIAL FILE RQMT:
SA,
HP,
HM
ORIG)
1972
NSC
TO )
PAF
SPECIAL DISPOSITION COMMENTS:
WHC
SUSPENSE CY ATTACHED:
YES
NO
SUBF
GPO: 1972-455-927
DECLASSIFIED pursuant to review under E.O. 13526
7201858
NSC 1140
department OF state
Washington, D.C. 20520
CONFIDENTIAL
February 1, 1972
MEMORANDUM FOR MR. HENRY A. KISSINGER
THE WHITE HOUSE
Subject: Birendra: New King of Nepal
The immediate succession to King Mahendra of
Nepal, who succumbed to a heart attack in the early
hours of January 31, has apparently taken place
smoothly. Within a few hours the King's Council
had announced that Crown Prince Birendra, Mahendra's
eldest son and heir apparent, had ascended the throne.
Although the 26-year old Birendra had been given
some administrative duties by his autocratic father,
he is considered largely untested and inexperienced
in terms of the two crucial requirements for a
Nepalese monarch. Internationally, it is essential
that Nepal maintain a balance in its relations with
India and China, offending neither and meeting the
minimal requirements of both. This will be particularly
difficult as a result of the increased strength of
India and increased influence of the Soviet Union in
the subcontinent following the recent Indo-Pakistani
war and the emergence of Bangladesh. Domestically,
the king must bridge the many divisive tendencies
in Nepal - including ethnic, linguistic and regional
loyalties - which tend to promote political instability
and economic stagnation. Mahendra was a virtuoso
at both these political games.
Birendra is very different from his father.
Educated out of Nepal (in Darjeeling, Eton, Harvard
and Tokyo University) and widely-travelled, Birendra
is clearly more aware of the outside world, of the
requirements of modern diplomacy, of the problems of
economic development than was his father when he
CONFIDENTIAL
DECLASSIFIED pursuant to review under E.O. 13526
CONFIDENTIAL
2
ascended the throne in 1955. Birendra in the past
has shown himself to be interested in more efficient
administration and dedicated to the elimination of
corruption and nepotism which is commonplace in Nepal.
He has shown some impatience and bull-headedness in
the pursuit of these goals and some observers have
questioned whether he might not be overly Westernized
in the sense that he may not appreciate the conservative
dynamics of the feudal social organization of Nepal.
In his relations with Americans, both official and
unofficial, he is friendly and engaging. He has been
particularly interested in the Peace Corps and has had
warm relations with several volunteers.
Particularly because of Nepal's concerns result-
ing from the Indo/Soviet increase in influence in
South Asia, Birendra's most immediate international
problems will relate to his relations with the Indians
and Chinese. The role of third countries such as the
U.S. will be important in steadying his hand while he
deals with his two neighbors. He will highly value
a reassuring and supportive American policy toward
Nepal. Thus for the immediate future, problems in
U.S.-Nepal relations which had already been looming
take on an added dimension. One of these relates to
how we can meet the longstanding Nepali desire that
we maintain significant aid programs in Nepal despite
problems related to availability of Indian rupees and
decreasing dollar funds.
Janes L. Eliot, Jr
Executive Secretary
CONFIDENTIAL
DECLASSIFIED pursuant to review under E.O. 13526
DOC
RECD
LOG NBR
INITIAL ACTION OFF
MO DA
Mo DA HR
NSC CORRESPONDENCE PROFILE
02 01 02 01 12
01140
LOG IN/OUT ONLY
TO: PRES
FROM: ELIOT X
U
NO FORN
NODIS
X
KISSINGER
ROGERS, W
LOU
BUO
EXDIS
DOC SOURCE/CLASS/DESCRIPTION
HAIG
LAIRD, M
C X
EYES ONLY
LIMDIS
S
CODE WORD
RES DATA
TS
SENSITIVE
SUBJECT:
Bureb Birendra, new King of Nepal re: International Implications
#7201858
REFERENCE: S/S
OTHER
NOT XEROXED
APP'TS: PRES
HAK
TALKER
MEMCON
DATE REQ.
INTERNAL ROUTING AND DISTRIBUTION
ACTION REQUIRED
ACTION
INFO
REC
???
MEMO FOR HAK
(
X
)
CY
ADVANCE CYS TO HAK/HAIG
FOR
MEMO FOR PRES.
(
)
STAFF SECRETARY
REPLY FOR
SIGNATURE
(
)
FAR EAST
FOR DISTRIBUTION/DISPATCH
(
)
SECRETARIAT DISTRIBUTION/ACTION
SUBSAHARAN AFRICA
MEMO
TO
(
)
NR EAST/NORTH AFRICA
X
RECOMMENDATIONS
(
)
EUROPE/CANADA
JOINT MEMO
(
)
LATIN AMERICA
REFER TO STATE
(
)
UNITED NATIONS
ANY ACTION NECESSARY
(
)
ECONOMIC
CONCURRENCE
(
)
SCIENTIFIC
DUE DATE: 02/05
LR PLANNING
COMMENTS: (Including Special Instructions)
PROGRAM ANALYSIS
NSC PLANNING
CONGRESSIONAL
DATE
FROM
TO
S
ACTION REQUIRED
CY TO
2/3/72
Sunders
NSC/S
Covered in President daily brief
2/4. HHS
INTERNAL/INTERIM ROUTING
2/3/72
C No Action Req per Launders
MICROFILM DATA
CROSS REF WITH
NOTIFY
DATE
SEE LOG
DISPATCH: LETTER/MEMO
DISPOSITION
JOINED BY LOG
COPIES: (AS MARKED ABOVE)
SA,
PER 0 7 1972
INIT
DATE
SPECIAL FILE RQMT:
HP,
HM
NSC
SPECIAL DISPOSITION COMMENTS:
TO )
PAF
WHC
SUSPENSE CY ATTACHED:
YES
NO
SUBF
# GPO: 1971-412-412
DECLASSIFIED pursuant to review under E.O. 13526
7119477
35386
department OF STATE
Washington, D.C. 20520
December 3, 1971
THAN
CONFIDENTIAL
MEMORANDUM FOR MR. HENRY A. KISSINGER
THE WHITE HOUSE
Subject: Message from the President to King
Mahendra of Nepal
On September 13 the President sent a letter
to King Mahendra in response to the King's letter
of July 31. The King's letter voiced his support
for the President's decision to visit the People's
Republic of China and invited the President and
Mrs. Nixon to visit Nepal either enroute to or
returning from China. The President's September
13 letter thanked the King for the invitation and
stated that he regretted not being able to give
the King "a definite response at this time, since
our planning is only in its early stages."
Now that a public announcement has been made
about the schedule for the Presidential trip to
China, it would be appropriate to send the King
a more definitive response to his invitation.
Attached is a suggested message to be sent
from the President to King Mahendra.
Rohillh for
Theodore L. Eliot, Jr.
Executive Secretary
Attachments:
1. Letter to President from King Mahendra
2. September 13 Letter from President to King
3. Suggested Message
CONFIDENTIAL
DECLASSIFIED pursuant to review under E.O. 13526
Royal Palace
Nepal
July 31, 1971
Your Excellency,
I have been heartened by the wise decision you have
taken in announcing your forthcoming visit to China. We have
always held that a country of the size and the population of China
cannot be simply ignored. We welcome Your Excellency's
decision and we hope 20 2 result of Your Excellency' = decisive
and bold step the area of peace would be augmented many times
and further hope the small nations of the world would also gain
by this.
On this occasion my wife and I would like to renew
our long standing invitation to Your Excellency and Mrs. Nixon
to pay us a visit either on your way to or on your return from
China at Your Excellency's convenience.
Please accept, Your Excellency, the assurances of
my highest consideration.
Yours sincerely,
! MAHENDRA, R.)
His Excellency Mr. Richard M. Nixon,
President of the United States of America,
White House,
WASHINGTON, D.C.
DECLASSIFIED pursuant to review under E.O. 13526
For Nailine Mr.
Me Tigon Burleigh
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
September 13, 1971
Your Majesty:
I was very pleased to receive your gracious
letter of July 31 expressing your approval of
my decision to accept an invitation to visit the
People's Republic of China. In opening the
door for more normal relations between the
United States and the People's Republic of China,
I am hopeful that all nations will gain from the
reduction of tensions which should result.
Your country and mine share the goal of build-
ing a lasting peace in the world. I look upon
this journey as an important step toward achiev-
ing that goal.
May I also express my deepest appreciation
for Your Majesty's kind suggestion that Mrs.
Nixon and I visit your kingdom before or after
our visit to China. I regret that I cannot give
you a definite response at this time, since our
planning is only in its early stages. But again,
let me convey our sincere gratitude for your
most thoughtful invitation.
You have my warmest thanks for your generous
expression of support and encouragement.
Sincerely,
Richard nifon
His Majesty Mahendra
Bir Bikram Shah Deva
King of Nepal
Kathmandu
DECLASSIFIED pursuant to review under E.O. 13526
CONFIDENTIAL
SUGGESTED MESSAGE
Your Majesty:
As you are aware, I have recently announced
some of the detailed plans for our visit to the
People's Republic of China. As I indicated in
my letter to you of September 13, I greatly
appreciate your suggestion that Mrs. Nixon and
I visit your kingdom before or after our visit to
China. I have given thorough consideration to
your kind suggestion and much as both Mrs. Nixon
and I would very much enjoy meeting Her Majesty
and you again and spending a few days in your
peaceful and lovely country, I find that such a
visit at this time is not possible.
May I once again thank you for the kind
invitation and also for your support and
encouragement of my decision to make this trip
which we continue to view as an important step
toward building a lasting world peace.
Sincerely,
Richard Nixon
His Majesty
Mahendra Bir Bikram Shah Dev,
King of Nepal,
Kathmandu.
Department of State
DECLASSIFIED pursuant to review under E.O. 13526
DEPARTMENT
to
STATE
CONFIDENTIAL
DEPAI
Classification
UNITED
the
Department of State
INDICATE:
STATES
of
TELEGRAM
COLLECT
CHARGE TO
DISTRIBUTION
ACTION:
Amembassy KATHMANDU
STATE
Please deliver the following message from President
Nixon to His Majesty.
QUOTE As you are aware, I have recently announced
some of the detailed plans for our visit to the People's
Republic of China. As I indicated in my letter to you
of September 13, I greatly appreciate your suggestion
that Mrs. Nixon and I visit your kingdom before or
after our visit to China. I have given thorough con-
sideration to your kind suggestion and much as both
Mrs. Nixon and I would very much enjoy meeting Her
Majesty and you again and spending a few days in your
peaceful and lovely country, I find that such a visit
at this time is not possible.
May I once again thank you for the kind invitation
and also for your support and encouragement of my
decision to make this trip which we continue to view
as an important step toward building a lasting world peade.
Sincerely, Richard Nixon.
END QUOTE
DRAFTED BY:
DRAFTING DATE
TEL. EXT.
APHROVED
ADD
NEA Christopher Van Hollen
NEA/INC:APBurleigh:nm
12/1/71
20653
MXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
CLEARANCES:
NEA/INC - Mr. Schneider
S/S -
7119477
EA/ACA - Mr. Brown
White House -
S/CPR - Mr. Smoak
CONFIDENTIAL
FORM
Classification
DECLASSIFIED pursuant to review under E.O. 13526
DOC
RECD
LO^ NBR
INITIAL ACTION OFF
MO DA
MO DA HR
NSC CORRESPONDENCE PROFILE
123
1249
35386
LOG IN/OUT ONLY Holdridge
TO: PRES
FROM: ELIOT 1
U
NO FORN
NODIS
KISSINGER x
ROGERS, W
LOU
BUO
EXDIS
DOC SOURCE/CLASS/DESCRIPTION
HAIG
LAIRD, M
C
x
EYES ONLY
LIMDIS
S
CODE WORD
RES DATA
SUBJECT: Augs Folla by the to Keng TS Thaherdray SENSITIVE Repal
from the Pres on the hpcosing PRC trip
REFERENCE:
S/S
7119477 OTHER
NOT XEROXED
APP'TS:
PRES
HAK
TALKER
MEMCON
DATE REQ.
INTERNAL ROUTING AND DISTRIBUTION
ACTION REQUIRED
ACTION
INFO
REC
MEMO FOR HAK
(
)
CY
ADVANCE CYS TO HAK/HAIG
FOR
MEMO for PRES.
(
)
STAFF SECRETARY
REPLY FOR
SIGNATURE
(
)
FAR EAST
X
FOR DISTRIBUTION/DISPATCH
(
)
SECRETARIAT DISTRIBUTION/ACTION
SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA
MEMO
TO
X
(
)
NR EAST/NORTH AFRICA
RECOMMENDATIONS
(
)
EUROPE/CANADA
JOINT MEMO
(
)
LATIN AMERICA
REFER TO STATE
(
)
UNITED NATIONS
ANY ACTION NECESSARY
(
)
ECONOMIC
CONCURRENCE
(
&
)
SCIENTIFIC
DUE DATE:
LR PLANNING
PROGRAM ANALYSIS
COMMENTS: (Including Special 12/10 Instructions)
NSC PLANNING
CONGRESSIONAL
DATE
FROM
TO
S
ACTION REQUIRED
CY TO
12/17
take
NSC/S
Response 85 King Chahendra incaporated
INTERNAL/INTERIM ROUTING
in onl message (steemon Pus' luneon
12/20
l Peling times Obecomed by
O/SE per 55397
MICROFILM DATA
CROSS REF WITH
NOTIFY
DATE
Non
SEE LOG
DISPATCH: LETTER/MEMO
DISPOSITION
JOINED BY LOG
COPIES: (AS MARKED ABOVE)
02.21.1971 DATE
SPECIAL FILE RQMT:
SA,
HP,
HM
ORIG)
NSC
TO 1
PAF Y
SPECIAL DISPOSITION COMMENTS:
WHC
f
SUSPENSE CY ATTACHED:
YES
NO
SUBF
# GPO: 1971-412-412
DECLASSIFIED pursuant to review under E.O. 13526
NIXON PRESIDENTIAL MATERIALS PROJECT
DOCUMENT CONTROL RECORD
ITEM REMOVED FROM THIS FILE FOLDER
A RESTRICTED DOCUMENT OR CASE FILE HAS BEEN REMOVED FROM
THIS FILE FOLDER. FOR A DESCRIPTION OF THE ITEM REMOVED
AND THE REASON FOR ITS REMOVAL, CONSULT DOCUMENT ENTRY
NUMBER 8
ON EITHER THE DOCUMENT WITHDRAWAL RECORD
(GSA FORM 7279 OR NA FORM 1421) OR NARA WITHDRAWAL SHEET
(GSA FORM 7122) LOCATED IN THE FRONT OF THIS FILE FOLDER.
NATIONAL ARCHIVES AND RECORDS ADMINISTRATION
NLN Form 101 (revised 6-85)
DECLASSIFIED pursuant to review under E.O. 13526
ACTION
5362
DEC 22 1969
MEMORANDUM FOR THE PRESIDENT
HR
FROM:
Henry A. Missinges) Signs
SUBJECT: Wedding Invitation from King of Nepal
King Aiabendra of Nepal has invited you to the wedding of Me son,
Crown Prince Birendra (Tab A). I assume that you do not wish
to attend personally, and there is no reason why you should.
I think, however, that It would be in our interest for you to
demonstrate your personal interest in this small, friendly and
strategically ocated country by selecting a delegation to represent
you. The leaders of the other major powers with a stake in Napal's
fulure--particularly the Soviets, and the Communist Chinese-will
probably do this and some of the Asian leaders will either be
attending or will also be sending personal representatives. The
Nepalese, who are very sensitive to the net 6 for our support to
remain an independent buffer between India and China, might
regard it as a serious slight If you were to simply send your regrets.
This would also undercut the effect of the Vice President's visit
next month.
Under Secretary Richardson thinks that you would be most effectively
represented by members of your own family, especially since
Nepalese place such A high value on family relations (Tab B). He
auggents that you consider sending Julie and David Elsenhower. If
they are name to attend, I would suggest your daughter Tricia, who
in any event night also enjoy going. This could be a rewarding
and most enjoyable trip for them. The projram of colorful and
picturesque events will take place from February 27 through March 3
and should attract considerable International press coverage. Nepal,
as you know, is the unspolled Switzerland of Asia and a most enjoyable
country to visit under any circumstances. Their activities would be
strictly social in nature.
fater
DECLASSIFIED pursuant to review under E.O. 13526
You may also want to consider sending some political figure
as an official representative of the Americ in people. Under
Secretary Richardson notes that Secretary Romney is well
acqualited with the area (he represented you as the Indian
President's funeral last spring) and that Secretary Stans has
visited Nepal in a private capacity. He also suggests a State
Governor as a possibility. I would only add that this would be
a plum for anyone you selected and that there would be no reason
for limiting yourself to one person.
1 am attaching at Tab C our embassy's des cription of what to
expect is case you would like to show It to your daughters.
Recommendation: That you express your regrets to King
Mahendra, and send an official delegation, including members
of your family and of political personality to represent you and the
American people. When you have selected your delegation, I will
send an appropriate response to King Mahendra before the end of
the month.
Approve
Disappriove
If you approve, whom would you like to serd?
SMH:HHSaunders:tmt 12/19/69
DECLASSIFIED pursuant to review under E.O. 13526
Narayanhity Royal Palace,
Kathmandu, Nepal.
November 11, 1969
Your Excellency,
It gives Us great bleasure to inform Your Excellen cy of the wedding of
Our son Crown Prince Birendra Bir Bikram Shah Dev with Princess Aishwarya
Rajyalaxmi Devi, daughter of Lieutenant-General Kendra Shum Shere Jung
Bahadur Rana, to be held on February 27, 1970 and to invite you most cordial-
ly to the wedding ceremony at Narayanhity Royal Palace. We earnestly hope
that you will find it convenient to grace the occasion with our august presence.
Sincerely,
Mahendra R.
His Excellency Mr. Richard M. Nixon
President of the United States of America
White House
Washington D.C.
DECLASSIFIED pursuant to review under E.O. 13526
5362
DEPARTMENT OF STATE
WASHINGTON
December 8, 1969
18906
MEMORANDUM FOR THE PRESIDENT
-Subject: Invitation to the Royal Wedding of
the Crown Prince, Son of the King of
Nepal
King Mahendra of Nepal has sent you the enclosed
invitation to attend the wedding of his son, the Crown
Prince, on February 27, 1970. This will be a most
important event in Nepal and the ce:remony itself will
be colorful and picturesqué. The complete program of
events will take place from February 27 through March
3, 1970.
I believe this invitation provides an opportunity
for you to demonstrate further your personal concern
for the independence and progress of the small, non-
alígned Asian nations. As his schedule now stands,
the Vice President will have recently visited Kathmandu.
However, in Nepal where family relations are so sig-
nificant, I believe you could be represented most
effectively by members of your personal family if that
were convenient. I suggest that you consider sending
Mr. and Mrs. David Eisenhower as your personal rep-
resentatives. This could be a rewarding and enjoyable
experience for them.
In addition, you may wish to consider sending as
an official representative of the American people a
Cabinet officer, such as Secretary Stans or Secretary
Romney. Secretary Romney is well acquainted with the
DECLASSIFIED pursuant to review under E.O. 13526
-2-
area and Secretary Stans has visited Nepal in a private
capacity. Another possibility would be a State Governor.
A suggested reply to the King is enclosed.
522
Acting Secretary
Enclosures:
Suggested Reply to King Mahendra
Invitation
DECLASSIFIED pursuant to review under E.O. 13526
DEPARTMENT OF STATE
SUGGESTED REPLY
Your Majesty:
I have received your most kind invitation to
be present on the happy occasion of the marriage of
your son, Crown Prince Birendra, on February 27, 1970.
I greatly regret that official duties will prevent
my attending. I would, however, like to send as my
representatives
Please convey my warm congratulations to your
son and my wish for much happiness in the future.
Sincerely,
Richard M. Nixon
His Majesty,
King Mahendra,
Royal Palace,
Kathmandu, Nepal.
DECLASSIFIED pursuant to review under E.O. 13526
PROGRAMME
February 27, 1970
1500 hrs. Departure of the Wedding
Procession
February 28, 1970
1700 hrs. Coming in of the Bride
{
1800-2000 hrs.
March
Reception
2, 1970
2015-2115 hrs.
Cultural Programme
at Rashtriya Nachghar
1830-2030 hrs. Military Tatoo
March
3, 1970
at Shahi Sainik Manch
2100 hrs. Buffet Dinner
DECLASSIFIED pursuant to review under E.O. 13526
IMPORTANT REQUEST
1. The following arrangements are envisaged for guests.
A delegation led by the Head of State
A suite and three other rooms
A delegation led by the Prime Minister
A suite and two other rooms
A delegation led by a Minister or
a Special Representative
Two Rooms
2. The above will be the guests of His Majesty's Governn ent from February
26 to March 3, 1970 and arrangements are made accordingly
n
3. Dress:- Formal with Decorations.
Note: The delegations are requested to make their own arrangement for
members exceeding the above number of rooms and beyond the
days mentioned above. The Protocol Division, Ministry of Foreign
Affairs, will, however, assist them if specific requirements are notified
in time.
A reply within December will be highly appreciated as it will facilitate the
arrangement.
Protocol Division,
Minis ry of Foreign Affairs
DECLASSIFIED pursuant to review under E.O. 13526
MEMORANDUM
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
ACTION
5362
MEMORANDUM FOR DR. KISSINGER
December 19, 1969
FROM:
Harold H. Saunders 7tal
SUBJECT:
Wedding Invitation from the King of Nepal
King Mahendra of Nepal has invited the President to the wedding
of Crown Prince Birendra on February 27. I assume that the
President will not attend.
The alternative- which most other invitees will probably fall back
on--is to send a delegation personally representing the President.
Under Secretary Richardson suggests that the President send a
member of his family as his personal representative and some
political personality as a representative of the American people.
It would be very much in our interest to do this and an enjoyable
experience for whoever might go.
Recommendation: That you send the memo at Tab A to the President.
As soon as he makes his decision, I will draft an appropriate response
to King Mahendra.
DECLASSIFIED pursuant to review under E.O. 13526
Files
ACTION
5362
MEMORANDUM FOR DR. KISSINGER
December 19, 1969
FROM:
Harold H. Saunders
SUBJECT:
Wedding Invitation from the King of Nepal
King Mahendra of Nepal has invited the President to the wedding
of Crown Prince Birendra on February 27. I assume that the
President will not attend.
The alternative--which most other invitees will probably fall back
on--is to send a delegation personally representing the President.
Under Secretary Richardson suggests that the President send a
member of his family as his personal representative and some
political personality as a representative of the American people.
It would be very much in our interest to do this and an enjoyable
experience for whoever might go.
Recommendation: That you send the memo at Tab A to the President.
As soon as he makes his decision, I will draft an appropriate response
to King Mahendra.
SMH:HHSaunders:tmt 12/19/69
DECLASSIFIED pursuant to review under E.O. 13526
ACTION
5362
DEC 22 1969
MEMORANDUM FOR THE PRESIDENT
FROM:
Henry A. Kissinger
(Signed) His
SUBJECT:
Wedding Invitation from King of Nepal
King Mahendra of Nepal has invited you to the wedding of his son,
Crown Prince Birendra (Tab A). I assume that you do not wish
to attend personally, and there is no reason why you should.
1 think, however, that it would be in our interest for you to
demonstrate your personal interest in this small, friendly and
strategically located country by selecting a delegation to represent
you. The leaders of the other major powers with a stake in Nepal's
future--particularly the Soviets, and the Communist Chinese--will
probably do this and some of the Asian leaders will either be
attending or will also be sending personal representatives. The
Nepalese, who are very sensitive to the need for our support to
remain an independent buffer between India and China, might
regard it as a serious slight if you were to simply send your regrets.
This would also undercut the effect of the Vice President's visit
next month.
Under Secretary Richardson thinks that you would be most effectively
represented by members of your own family, especially since the
Nepalese place such a high value on family relations (Tab B). He
suggests that you consider sending Julie and David Eisenhower. If
they are unable to attend, I would suggest your daughter Tricia, who
in any event might also enjoy going. This could be a rewarding
and most enjoyable trip for them. The program of colorful and
picturesque events will take place from February 27 through March 3
and should attract considerable international press coverage. Nepal,
as you know, is the unspoiled Switzerland of Asia and a most enjoyable
country to visit under any circumstances. Their activities would be
strictly social in nature.
DECLASSIFIED pursuant to review under E.O. 13526
- 2 -
You may also want to consider sending some political figure
as an official representative of the American people. Under
Secretary Richardson notes that Secretary Romney is well
acquainted with the area (he represented you at the Indian
President's funeral last spring) and that Secretary Stans has
visited Nepal in a private capacity. He also suggests a State
Governor as a possibility. I would only add that this would be
a plum for anyone you selected and that there would be no reason
for limiting yourself to one person.
1 am attaching at Tab C our embassy's description of what to
expect in case you would like to show it to your daughters.
Recommendation: That you express your regrets to King
Mahendra, and send an official delegation, including members
of your family and a political personality to represent you and the
American people. When you have selected your delegation, I will
send an appropriate response to King Mahendra before the end of
the month.
Approve
Disapprove
If you approve, whom would you like to send?
SMH:HHSaunders:tmt 12/19/69
DECLASSIFIED pursuant to review under E.O. 13526
Narayanhity Royal Palace,
Kathmandu, Nepal.
November 11, 1969
Your Excellency,
It gives Us great pleasure to inform Your Excellency of the wedding of
Our son Crown Prince Birendra Bir Bikram Shah Dev with Princess Aishwarya
Rajyalaxmi Devi, daughter of Lieutenant-General Kendra Shum Shere Jung
Bahadur Rana, to be held on February 27, 1970 and to invite you most cordial-
ly to the wedding ceremony at Narayanhity Royal Palace. We earnestly hope
that you will find it convenient to grace the occasion with your august presence.
Sincerely,
Mahendra R.
His Excellency Mr. Richard M. Nixon
President of the United States of America
White House
Washington D.C.
DECLASSIFIED pursuant to review under E.O. 13526
5362
DEPARTMENT OF STATE
WASHINGTON
18906
December 8, 1969
MEMORANDUM FOR THE PRESIDENT
Subject: Invitation to the Royal Wedding of
the Crown Prince, Son of the King of
Nepal
King Mahendra of Nepal has sent you the enclosed
invitation to attend the wedding of his son, the Crown
Prince, on February 27, 1970. This will be a most
important event in Nepal and the ceremony itself will
be colorful and picturesque. The complete program of
events will take place from February 27 through March
3, 1970.
I believe this invitation provides an opportunity
for you to demonstrate further your personal concern
for the independence and progress of the small, non-
aligned Asian nations. As his schedule now stands,
the Vice President will have recently visited Kathmandu.
However, in Nepal where family relations are so sig-
nificant, II believe you could be represented most
effectively by members of your personal family if that
were convenient. I suggest that you consider sending
Mr. and Mrs. David Eisenhower as your personal rep-
resentatives. This could be a rewarding and enjoyable
experience for them.
In addition, you may wish to consider sending as
an official representative of the American people a
Cabinet officer, such as Secretary Stans or Secretary
Romney. Secretary Romney is well acquainted with the
DECLASSIFIED pursuant to review under E.O. 13526
-2-
area and Secretary Stans has visited Nepal in a private
capacity. Another possibility would be a State Governor.
A suggested reply to the King is enclosed.
our
Acting Secretary
Enclosures:
Suggested Reply to King Mahendra
Invitation
DECLASSIFIED pursuant to review under E.O. 13526
DEPARTMENT OF STATE
SUGGESTED REPLY
Your Majesty:
I have received your most kind invitation to
be present on the happy occasion of the marriage of
your son, Crown Prince Birendra, on February 27, 1970.
I greatly regret that official duties will prevent
my attending. I would, however, like to send as my
representatives
Please convey my warm congratulations to your
son and my wish for much happiness in the future.
Sincerely,
Richard M. Nixon
His Majesty,
King Mahendra,
Royal Palace,
Kathmandu, Nepal.
DECLASSIFIED pursuant to review under E.O. 13526
PROGRAMME
February 27, 1970
1500 hrs. Departure of the Wedding
Procession
February 28, 1970
1700 hrs. Coming in of the Bride
March
1800-2000 hrs. Reception
2, 1970
2015-2115 hrs.
Cultural Programme
at Rashtriya Nachghar
1830-2030 hrs. Military Tatoo
March
3, 1970
at Shahi Sainik Manch
2100 hrs. Buffet Dinner
DECLASSIFIED pursuant to review under E.O. 13526
IMPORTANT REQUEST
1. The following arrangements are envisaged for guests.
A delegation led by the Head of State
A suite and three other rooms
A delegation led by the Prime Minister
A suite and two other rooms
A delegation led by a Minister or
a Special Representative
Two Rooms
2. The above will be the guests of His Majesty's Government from February
26 to March 3, 1970 and arrangements are made accordingly.
3. Dress:- Formal with Decorations.
Note: The delegations are requested to make their own arrangement for
members exceeding the above number of rooms and beyond the
days mentioned above. The Protocol Division, Ministry of Foreign
Affairs, will, however, assist them if specific requirements are notified
in time.
A reply within December will be highly appreciated as it will facilitate the
arrangement.
Protocol Division,
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
DECLASSIFIED pursuant to review under E.O. 13526
CONFIDENTIAL
1528
NSCIG/NEA 69-28
August 8, 1969
NSC INTERDEPARTMENTAL GROUP
FOR
NEAR EAST AND SOUTH ASIA
COUNTRY POLICY STATEMENT
NEPAL
GROUP 3
Downgraded at 12-year intervals;
not automatically declassified.
CONFIDENTIAL
13526
CONFIDENTIAL
DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Washington, D.C 20520
NSCIG/NEA 69-28
August 8, 1969
NSC INTERDEPARTMENTAL GROUP
FOR NEAR EAST AND SOUTH ASIA
The attached Country Policy Statement on
Nepal has been approved by the NSC Interdepartmental
Group for Near East and South Asia. It is issued
for the guidance of all concerned with United States
policy and programs in Nepal.
Joseph J Sins
Joseph J. Sisco
Assistant Secretary for
Near Eastern and South Asian
Affairs
David T. Schneider
Country Director for Nepal
Sidney Sohn
Sidney Sober
Staff Director, NSCIG/NEA
CONFIDENTIAL
DECLASSIFIED pursuant to review under E.O. 13526
CONF IDENTIAL
COUNTRY POLICY STATEMENT - - NEPAL
Contents
Page
Background
1
United States Objectives
3
United States Strategy
4
A. Options
4
B. Policy Guidelines
6
Political
6
Economic
7
Psychological
7
Security
8
CONF IDENTIAL
DECLASSIFIED pursuant to review under E.O. 13526
CONFIDENTIAL
NEPAL
COUNTRY POLICY STATEMENT
BACKGROUND
Kept in isolation by its feudal rulers until the revolution
in 1951, Nepal is still one of the most primitive countries
in terms of political, social and economic conditions. The
single most important fact of life in Nepal's foreign affairs
continues to be the small kingdom's geographic situation
landlocked between India and Tibet. Its territory is a buffer
where the rival interests of China and India impinge and
impact. Nepal is resentful of India's attempts at political
influence and its almost total dependence on India in economic
affairs. About 90 percent of Nepal's foreign trade is with
her southern neighbor and India has the largest aid program in
the country. Nepal has encouraged friendly relations with
China as one means of offsetting the heavy Indian influence.
Relations between Nepal and India continue to be very much
like those between an adolescent and his parent -- basically
compatible, but subject to the occasional emotional out-
bursts that accompany the struggle to achieve true independence.
By comparison, the Nepalese Government evinces considerably
more caution in its relations with China, a studied friend-
liness not unmixed with fear. At the same time Nepal has
sought other countries' interest and involvement to reinforce
its image as an independent state.
Nepal's paramount interest is in defending its independence,
in its eyes threatened more by Indian economic domination
than by any Chinese military move or political activities.
Notable highlights in the campaign to build up recognition
around the world are Nepal's successful bid for a 1969-71
UN Security Council term and its active participation in
meetings on problems of landlocked countries. Recent trade
GROUP 3
Downgraded at 12-year intervals;
not automatically declassified.
CONFIDENTIAL
DECLASSIFIED pursuant to review under E.O. 13526
CONFIDENTIAL
2.
talks with India offer some hope for improved conditions for
Nepalese transit trade.
Relations with Communist China, slightly strained at the
height of the Cultural Revolution in 1967, have returned to
their normal cordial state. Chinese aid has increased to
about $7 million annually. Some control has been exerted
over the extensive Chinese propaganda activities, and the
government is beginning a program for development of the
northern border areas in an effort to counter Chinese influence.
Aware of the pressures on her from both north and south, Nepal
has sought contact with both the U.S. and the U.S.S.R. to
offset the influence of her neighbors. The King's visit
to the United States in the fall of 1967 and exchanges on aid
matters related to this visit have underscored the position
of the United States as a friendly but distant and disinterested
power helping Nepal maintain its balance and deal with develop-
ment problems in which it does not want its neighbors to have
a predominant influence. The USSR, the other major power
physically represented there, maintains a small aid and a
sizeable propaganda presence, primarily as an extension of
its Indian policy.
Internally, Nepal is entering a new period of political develop-
ment. Having firmly established a partyless system of govern-
ment based on village councils, in 1968 the King released
the former Nepali Congress Party Prime Minister B.P. Koirala after
eight years imprisonment. Koirala's release was the key to
better relations with the democratic pro-Indian opposition
elements. King Mahendra has guided the political scene to
a point where accommodation may be possible between his role
as absolute monarch and the development of popular, democratic
institutions, without political parties as such. At the
present time, and particularly while moves to accommodate
the democratic elements within the Panchayat system continue,
CONFIDENTIAL
DECLASSIFIED pursuant to review under E.O. 13526
CONFIDENTIAL
3.
the small illegal communist parties of Nepal (right -wing,
left-wing and left extremists) pose the only organized threat
to the country's internal political stability; fortunately,
these parties are partially crippled by their own internal and
personality squabbles.
Nepal as an economic unit has a few advantages but basically
it faces most of the problems of underdeveloped countries around
the world, and then some. Nepal's population is overwhelmingly
dependent on traditional agriculture for its livelihood, the
manufacturing and service industries are in only rudimentary
stages, and transport and communications in this mountainous
kingdom are grossly inadequate. In addition, Nepal is a land-
locked nation dependent on India for transit facilities (as
well as for most of its trade), with all the trade expansion
problems such a situation engenders. Having started the modern-
izing process as late as it did and from such a low base,
Nepal is especially handicapped in the essential underpinnings
of modernity, such as educated and trained manpower.
Although the average Nepalese is among the poorest of Asians,
with per capita income standing at roughly $75 per year, some
progress has been made during the last fifteen ars or so of
Nepal's exposure to the outside world. Aware that substantially
increased assistance from any aid donor would upset the careful
political balance, Nepal endeavors to keep assistance coming
from as many sources as possible. India now is the largest donor
with a $14 million program, the US program is about $10 million
(largely in surplus PL-480 Indian rupees), China's $7 million
and the USSR $500,000. A noteworthy arrangement is the military
assistance from Israel for paratroop training.
UNITED STATES OBJECTIVES
Our interest in Nepal stems almost entirely from our larger
interest in contributing to the security of the Indian Sub-
continent. Our policy aims in India are intended to be the
chief beneficiary of our relationship with Nepal in that we
seek, as appropriate, to share with India the task of helping
Nepal to remain an area of relative calm and order and to
prevent its subversion by Communist China.
CONFIDENTIAL
DECLASSIFIED pursuant to review under E.O. 13526
CONFIDENTIAL
4.
Our basic objectives are:
1. The establishment of a politically effective,
modernizing Nepalese nation, hopefully increasingly
democratic, which is capable of holding its own in the
present-day world and contributing its mite to the maintenance
of world order. Such a Nepal would work in close cooperation
with India on a wide range of practical problems affecting
the ultimate security of the Subcontinent.
2. A major corollary to this essentially political
aim is the maintenance of a satisfactory rate of economic
and social progress which will permit a peaceful and orderly
transition of Nepal to a modern state.
UNITED STATES STRATEGY
Our activities in Nepal are guided by our desire to encourage
good Indo-Nepalese relations. We maintain an American presence at
a moderate level, on a par with other major powers, and contri-
bute to Nepalese development in an unobtrusive manner.
A.
Options
In terms of overall strategy the options open to
the United States in Nepal are identifiable primarily in
relation to the total size and impact of US programs and
presence. Those choices readily available to the United States
can be stated generally as: (1) continuation of roughly the
present degree of our involvement in Nepal; (2) a phased,
judicious reduction in our presence; and (3) revisions of
program emphasis by agency in combination with either of
the foregoing options.
The current United States presence in Nepal
encompasses a dozen-officer Embassy; a 60-man, $10 million
annual aid program; 200-plus Peace Corps Volunteers; and a
three-officer USIS establishment. A careful overall decrease
CONFIDENTIAL
DECLASSIFIED pursuant to review under E.O. 13526
CONFIDENTIAL
5.
of this US presence, if dictated by budgetary or other
compelling factors, would not jeopardize the United States'
minimal bilateral interest in Nepal, nor, most probably,
our more important area interests concerning the future of
India. Timing would be important, however, and it would
be absolutely essential that care be taken to avoid the
appearance of repudiating our past relationships with Nepal
and India as they have evolved over recent years.
A fundamental point in this formulation is the fact, pre-
viously noted, that Nepal is not an area of priority US
policy concerns. India must assume first responsibility for
Nepal with respect to the security of the Subcontinent,
tempered by Nepal's desire that no neighbor becomes over-
involved in its affairs. US aims in this regard are furthered
by a responsible presence and demonstrable assistance per se;
the precise size and agency combination of involvement, within
reasonable bounds, is less important.
The extremes of a significantly expanded US presence or
abandonment of this presence (or reduction to a very low
level) appear unrealistic. The former is not necessary
to accomplish our basically political objective in Nepal,
and indeed might prove counter-productive. The latter could
possibly increase the potentiality for instability in the
area.
It would be well to avoid the possible political dislocations
and policy disorientation in the area that would be attendant
upon a perceived significant change in US attitudes toward
Nepal. The current US presence, while substantial, is not
overwhelming. The size of the Embassy is on a par with
other important powers such as India, China and the USSR;
the USIS staff is minimal; the large Peace Corps program
has been generally successful and well received. (However,
the Peace Corps may already be near the limit of Nepalese
political and organization absorptive capacity.) USAID/Nepal's
staff and program funds, while believed to be in an appro-
priate range, are expected in any event to decline in the near
term as a result of cutbacks in worldwide aid availabilities.
CONFIDENTIAL
DECLASSIFIED pursuant to review under E.O. 13526
CONFIDENTIAL
6.
If extrinsic factors dictate a substantially reduced US
program and presence in Nepal, such a reduction could
be shared to some extent by all agencies represented
there, but the burden of such cuts could be accepted with
least damage to our interests by the AID and Peace Corps
programs.
B. Policy Guidelines
Political
1. We should work with the Monarchy and the present
governmental structure, while encourageing the more
liberal influences in the Government and the society. We
should continue contacts with the various political factions
in order to keep informed of their views and activities.
2. We should indicate through our presence US
interest in Nepalese efforts to modernize and develop con-
tacts with other nations, and we should encourage through
the same presence close Indo-Nepalese collaboration on
matters of mutual security.
a. A visit by a high-ranking US official
to Nepal, following-up King Mahendra's 1967
State Visit, would be in keeping with our political
posture. No one of Cabinet rank or higher has
visited Nepal officially.
b. We should continue our support for
the East-West Highway as an important factor
in demonstrating our interest in Indo-Nepalese
collaboration on security-related projects.
3. We should demonstrate to India that our involvement
in Nepal is based on our common subcontinental interests and
CONFIDENTIAL
DECLASSIFIED pursuant to review under E.O. 13526
CONFIDENTIAL
7.
that we support an increasingly responsible role for India in
its relations with Nepal.
4. We should encourage Nepal in its present belief
that its vital national interests are well served by identifica-
tion with forces which support international law and order,
and by playing a constructive role in the United Nations and
the various specialized agencies.
Economic
1. We should continue to support Nepal's developmental
efforts at approximately the present level, largely through the
provision of rupee capital resources and the assistance of
Peace Corps Volunteers.
a. We should continue to use Indian rupees
accumulated under PL-480 programs in India to
finance the local currency costs of our aid
and information programs in Nepal. This source
of funds, used with the consent of the Government
of India, permits us to offer significant economic
assistance at moderate cost.
b. Should a reduction in AID operations become
necessary, the participant training program and
on-going projects in agricultural production and
education should be accorded the highest priority for
funds.
2. We should encourage Indo-Nepalese economic
cooperation and foster increased contact between Nepal and
the various international organizations in attacking Nepal's
long-range developmental problems, especially in terms of
needed technical assistance and the training of skilled man-
power, but also in terms of financial assistance.
Psychological
1. We should utilize the cultural, exchange and
information programs to support, as appropriate, our political,
CONFIDENTIAL
DECLASSIFIED pursuant to review under E.O. 13526
CONFIDENTIAL
8.
economic, and security objectives, emphasizing in particular
the compatibility of American-Nepalese interests and the
benefits to be derived from economic development within a
democratic framework.
Security
1. We should encourage Indo-Nepalese military coopera-
tion and be prepared, in accordance with the 1964 tripartite
arrangement, to consider instituting a program through which
Nepal could obtain military equipment which in our judgement
is required by Nepal and India is unable to provide.
2. While leaving to India the principal military
role, we should continue the limited training in US military
schools of qualified Nepalese Army officers.
CONFIDENTIAL
DECLASSIFIED pursuant to review under E.O. 13526
NATIONAL SECURITY COUNCIL
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20506
July 31, 1969
MEMORANDUM FOR Mr. Sidney Sober
Department of State, NEA/RA
FROM:
Morton H. Halperin mA
SUBJECT:
Proposed Country Policy Statements on
Afghanistan and Nepal
We have reviewed the proposed Country Policy Statements on
Afghanistan and Nepal and have no objection to their being issued.
DECLASSIFIED 7/31/69 pursuant
to review under E.O. 13526
10284
CONFIDENTIAL
NSCIG/NEA 69-18
84
June 30, 1969
NSC INTERDEPARTMENTAL GROUP
FOR NEAR EAST AND SOUTH ASIA
TO:
Mr. Henry A. Kissinger
Chairman, NSC Review Group
Mr. Eliot L. Richardson
Chairman, Under Secretaries Committee
FROM:
NSCIG/NEA - Joseph J. Sisco, Chairman
GD
SUBJECT: Country Policy Statement on Nepal
The NSC Interdepartmental Group for the Near East and South
Asia has approved the attached Country Policy Statement on Nepal.
This paper is one in a series intended to provide a fresh look
at our interests and objectives in various NEA countries and to
review the adequacy of our policies. Subject to any comment you
may have, we propose to issue the attached paper for the guidance
of all concerned with United States policy and programs in Nepal.
In preparing the attached paper, we have had the benefit of
detailed suggestions from our Embassy in Kathmandu. Representatives
of the following agencies participated in NSCIG/NEA consideration
and approval of the paper: State, Agriculture, AID, CIA, Commerce,
Defense, Labor, NSC, Office of Joint Chiefs of Staff, Peace Corps,
Treasury, and USIA.
Attachment:
Country Policy Statement, Nepal
GROUP 3
Downgraded at 12-year intervals;
not automatically declassified.
CONFIDENTIAL
NSCIG/NEA: SSober :wab.
DECLASSIFIED pursuant to review under E.O. 13526
CONFIDENTIAL
COUNTRY POLICY STATEMENT - NEPAL
Contents
Page
Background
1
United States Objectives
3
United States Strategy
4
A. Options
4
B.
Policy Guidelines
6
Political
6
Economic
7
Psychological
7
Security
8
CONFIDENTIAL
DECLASSIFIED pursuant to review under E.O. 13526
CONFIDENTIAL
10284
NEPAL
COUNTRY POLICY STATEMENT
BACKGROUND
Kept in isolation by its feudal rulers until the revolution
in 1951, Nepal is still one of the most primitive countries
in terms of political, social and economic conditions. The
single most important fact of life in Nepal's foreign affairs
continues to be the small kingdom's geographic situation
landlocked between India and Tibet. Its territory is a buffer
where the rival interests of China and India impinge and
impact. Nepal is resentful of India's attempts at political
influence and its almost total dependence on India in economic
affairs. About 90 percent of Nepal's foreign trade is with
her southern neighbor and India has the largest aid program in
the country. Nepal has encouraged friendly relations with
China as one means of offsetting the heavy Indian influence.
Relations between Nepal and India continue to be very much
like those between an adolescent and his parent -- basically
compatible, but subject to the occasional emotional out-
bursts that accompany the struggle to achieve true independence.
By comparison, the Nepalese Government evinces considerably
more caution in its relations with China, a studied friend-
liness not unmixed with fear. At the same time Nepal has
sought other countries' interest and involvement to reinforce
its image as an independent state.
Nepal's paramount interest is in defending its independence,
in its eyes threatened more by Indian economic domination
than by any Chinese military move or political activities.
Notable highlights in the campaign to build up recognition
around the world are Nepal's successful bid for a 1969-71
UN Security Council term and its active participation in
meetings on problems of landlocked countries. Recent trade
GROUP 3
Downgraded at 12-year intervals;
not automatically declassified.
CONFIDENTIAL
DECLASSIFIED pursuant to review under E.O. 13526
CONFIDENTIAL
2.
talks with India offer some hope for improved conditions for
Nepalese transit trade.
Relations with Communist China, slightly strained at the
height of the Cultural Revolution in 1967, have returned to
their normal cordial state. Chinese aid has increased to
about $7 million annually. Some control has been exerted
over the extensive Chinese propaganda activities, and the
government is beginning a program for development of the
northern border areas in an effort to counter Chinese influence.
Aware of the pressures on her from both north and south, Nepal
has sought contact with both the U.S. and the U.S.S.R. to
offset the influence of her neighbors. The King's visit
to the United States in the fall of 1967 and exchanges on aid
matters related to this visit have underscored the position
of the United States as a friendly but distant and disinterested
power helping Nepal maintain its balance and deal with develop-
ment problems in which it does not want its neighbors to have
a predominant influence. The USSR, the other major power
physically represented there, maintains a small aid and a
sizeable propaganda presence, primarily as an extension of
its Indian policy.
Internally, Nepal is entering a new period of political develop-
ment. Having firmly established a partyless system of govern-
ment based on village councils, in 1968 the King released
the former Nepali Congress Party Prime Minister B.P. Koirala after
eight years imprisonment. Koirala's release was the key to
better relations with the democratic pro-Indian opposition
elements. King Mahendra has guided the political scene to
a point where accommodation may be possible between his role
as absolute monarch and the development of popular, democratic
institutions, without political parties as such. At the
present time, and particularly while moves to accommodate
the democratic elements within the Panchayat system continue,
CONFIDENTIAL
DECLASSIFIED pursuant to review under E.O. 13526
CONFIDENTIAL
3.
the small illegal communist parties of Nepal (right -wing,
left-wing and left extremists) pose the only organized threat
to the country's internal political stability; fortunately,
these parties are partially crippled by their own internal and
personality squabbles.
Nepal as an economic unit has a few advantages but basically
it faces most of the problems of underdeveloped countries around
the world, and then some. Nepal's population is overwhelmingly
dependent on traditional agriculture for its livelihood, the
manufacturing and service industries are in only rudimentary
stages, and transport and communications in this mountainous
kingdom are grossly inadequate. In addition, Nepal is a land-
locked nation dependent on India for transit facilities (as
well as for most of its trade), with all the trade expansion
problems such a situation engenders. Having started the modern-
izing process as late as it did and from such a low base,
Nepal is especially handicapped in the essential underpinnings
of modernity, such as educated and trained manpower.
Although the average Nepalese is among the poorest of Asians,
with per capita income standing at roughly $75 per year, some
progress has been made during the last fifteen years or so of
Nepal's exposure to the outside world. Aware that substantially
increased assistance from any aid donor would upset the careful
political balance, Nepal endeavors to keep assistance coming
from as many sources as possible. India now is the largest donor
with a $14 million program, the US program is about $10 million
(largely in surplus PL-480 Indian rupees), China's $7 million
and the USSR $500,000. A noteworthy arrangement is the military
assistance from Israel for paratroop training.
UNITED STATES OBJECTIVES
Our interest in Nepal stems almost entirely from our larger
interest in contributing to the security of the Indian Sub-
continent. Our policy aims in India are intended to be the
chief beneficiary of our relationship with Nepal in that we
seek, as appropriate, to share with India the task of helping
Nepal to remain an area of relative calm and order and to
prevent its subversion by Communist China.
CONFIDENTIAL
DECLASSIFIED pursuant to review under E.O. 13526
CONFIDENTIAL
4.
Our basic objectives are:
1. The establishment of a politically effective,
modernizing Nepalese nation, hopefully increasingly
democratic, which is capable of holding its own in the
present-day world and contributing its mite to the maintenance
of world order. Such a Nepal would work in close cooperation
with India on a wide range of practical problems affecting
the ultimate security of the Subcontinent.
2. A major corollary to this essentially political
aim is the maintenance of a satisfactory rate of economic
and social progress which will permit a peaceful and orderly
transition of Nepal to a modern state.
UNITED STATES STRATEGY
Our activities in Nepal are guided by our desire to encourage
good Indo-Nepalese relations. We maintain an American presence at
a moderate level, on a par with other major powers, and contri-
bute to Nepalese development in an unobtrusive manner.
A.
Options
In terms of overall strategy the options open to
the United States in Nepal are identifiable primarily in
relation to the total size and impact of US programs and
presence. Those choices readily available to the United States
can be stated generally as: (1) continuation of roughly the
present degree of our involvement in Nepal; (2) a phased,
judicious reduction in our presence; and (3) revisions of
program emphasis by agency in combination with either of
the foregoing options.
The current United States presence in Nepal
encompasses a dozen-officer Embassy; a 60-man, $10 million
annual aid program; 200-plus Peace Corps Volunteers; and a
three-officer USIS establishment. A careful overall decrease
CONFIDENTIAL
DECLASSIFIED pursuant to review under E.O. 13526
CONFIDENTIAL
5.
of this US presence, if dictated by budgetary or other
compelling factors, would not jeopardize the United States'
minimal bilateral interest in Nepal, nor, most probably,
our more important area interests concerning the future of
India. Timing would be important, however, and it would
be absolutely essential that care be taken to avoid the
appearance of repudiating our past relationships with Nepal.
and India as they have evolved over recent years.
A fundamental point in this formulation is the fact, pre-
viously noted, that Nepal is not an area of priority US
policy concerns. India must assume first responsibility for
Nepal with respect to the security of the Subcontinent,
tempered by Nepal's desire that no neighbor becomes over-
involved in its affairs. US aims in this regard are furthered
by a responsible presence and demonstrable assistance per se;
the precise size and agency combination of involvement, within
reasonable bounds, is less important.
The extremes of a significantly expanded US presence or
abandonment of this presence (or reduction to a very low
level) appear unrealistic. The former is not necessary
to accomplish our basically political objective in Nepal,
and indeed might prove counter-productive. The latter could
possibly increase the potentiality for instability in the
area.
It would be well to avoid the possible political dislocations
and policy disorientation in the area that would be attendant
upon a perceived significant change in US attitudes toward
Nepal. The current US presence, while substantial, is not
overwhelming. The size of the Embassy is on a par with
other important powers such as India, China and the USSR;
the USIS staff is minimal; the large Peace Corps program
has been generally successful and well received. (However,
the Peace Corps may already be near the limit of Nepalese
political and organization absorptive capacity.) USAID/Nepal's
staff and program funds, while believed to be in an appro-
priate range, are expected in any event to decline in the near
term as a result of cutbacks in worldwide aid availabilities.
CONFIDENTIAL
DECLASSIFIED pursuant to review under E.O. 13526
of
If extrinsio factors dictate 3 reduced US
program and presence in Nepal, such $ reduction could
be shared to some excent by all agreeses represented
there, but the burden of such CUES 00010 be accepted with
least damage to our interests by the AND and Peace Corps
programs.
B. Policy Guidelines
Political
1. We should NAME with the Nonarchy and the present
governmental structure, while ondourageing the more
liberal Influments to the Dovernment part the society. We
should continue contacts vich the various political factions
in order to keep informed of their views and activities.
2. We should indicate strough our presence US
interest the Napalese efforts to modernize and develop con-
tacls with other nacions, and VISA should encourage through
the same presence close Indo-Mepolese del aboration on
matters of mutual security.
B. A visit by a high-ranking US official
CO Nepal, fullowing-up Kins Hahandra's 1967
State Fisit, would be in keeplay with OUI political
posture. No one of Cabinec cank or higher has
visited Nepal officially.
in
we should continue our support for
the in toghway 08 MIL factor
in our in
collabo. Lan generals of projects.
3. We should del.
as
walls chat our involvement
in Nepal is based on our common Interests and
CONFIDENTIAL
DECLASSIFIED pursuant to review under E.O. 13526
CONFIDENTIAL
7.
that we support an increasingly responsible role for India in
its relations with Nepal.
4. We should encourage Nepal in its present belief
that its vital national interests are well served by identifica-
tion with forces which support international law and order,
and by playing a constructive role in the United Nations and
the various specialized agencies.
Economic
1. We should continue to support Nepal's developmental
efforts at approximately the present level, largely through the
provision of rupee capital resources and the assistance of
Peace Corps Volunteers.
a. We should continue to use Indian rupees
accumulated under PL-480 programs in India to
finance the local currency costs of our aid
and information programs in Nepal. This source
of funds, used with the consent of the Government
of India, permits us to offer significant economic
assistance at moderate cost.
b. Should a reduction in AID operations become
necessary, the participant training program and
on-going projects in agricultural production and
education should be accorded the highest priority for
funds.
2. We should encourage Indo-Nepalese economic
cooperation and foster increased contact between Nepal and
the various international organizations in attacking Nepal's
long-range developmental problems, especially in terms of
needed technical assistance and the training of skilled man-
power, but also in terms of financial assistance.
Psychological
1. We should utilize the cultural, exchange and
information programs to support, as appropriate, our political,
CONFIDENTIAL
DECLASSIFIED pursuant to review under E.O. 13526
623/01/12
CONF 'IDENTIAL
8
economic, and security objectives, emphasizing in particular
the compatibility of American-Nepalese interests and the
benefits to be derived from economic development within a
democratic framework.
Security
1. We should encourage Indo-Nepalese military coopera-
tion and be prepared, in accordance with the 1964 tripartite
arrangement, to consider instituting a program through which
Nepal could obtain military equipment which in our judgement
is required by Nepal and India is unable to provide.
2. While leaving to India the principal military
role, we should continue the limited training in US military
schools of qualified Nepalese Army officers.
CONF IDENT IAL
DECLASSIFIED pursuant to review under E.O. 13526
1072
nepal
May 24, 1969
MEMORANDUM FOR S/S - JOHN WALSH
FROM: Jeanne W. Davis
SUBJECT: Invitation from King Mahendra to the
President to Visit Nepal (S/S 7855)
In regard to the invitation from King Mahendra for the
President to visit Nepal, the President has authorized
Joe Sisco or his deputy to call the Ambassador and reply
along the following lines:
"The President is grateful for the King's kind
invitation. He very much hopes that it may be
possible to visit Nepal at some point in his
Administration. He has no present plans for
travel to South Asia but he will keep the King's
invitation very much in mind should such a trip
materialize."
DECLASSIFIED pursuant to review under E.O. 13526
1012
MEMORANDUM
of
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
ACTION
CONFIDENTIAL
May 22, 1969
MEMORANDUM FOR DR. KISSINGER
FROM:
Harold H. Saunders Hal
SUBJECT: Invitation for the President to Visit Nepal
The Nepalese Ambassador has issued an oral invitation for the
President to pay a State visit to Nepal. (Tab B)
Recommendation: That you send the attached memorandum for the
President recommending a gracious oral acknowledgment without
commitment. (The President probably should be aware of this but
you may feel that you can sign off on the attached yourself.) (Tab A)
HAK: You should do this. No wed
to send to RN.
Mr
H approval for RR
CONFIDENTIAL
DECLASSIFIED pursuant to review under E.O. 13526
MEMORANDUM
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
May 23, 1969
CONFIDENTIAL
MEMORANDUM FOR THE PRESIDENT
FROM:
Henry A. Kissinger
SUBJECT: Invitation to Visit Nepal
The Ambassador of Nepal has delivered to the State Department
a verbal invitation from King Mahendra for you to make a State
visit to Nepal. The Ambassador said that a formal invitation
would follow if you were able to accept. No timing was suggested.
The King has made two State visits to the U.S. in 1960 and 1967,
but no senior American official has ever visited Nepal.
Obviously there is no way to give this more than a polite response
at this point, but a prompt and gracious acknowledgment would be
in order.
Recommendation: That you authorize Joe Sisco or his deputy to call
the Ambassador and reply along the following lines: The President
is grateful for the King's kind invitation. He very much hopes that
it may be possible to visit Nepal at some point in his administration.
He has no present plans for travel to South Asia but he will keep the
King's invitation very much in mind should such a trip materialize.
Approve HK for
Disapprove
CONFIDENTIAL
DECLASSIFIED pursuant to review under E.O. 13526
1072
department OF state
Washington, D.C. 20520
7855
May 19, 1969
CONFIDENTIAL
MEMORANDUM FOR MR. HENRY A. KISSINGER
THE WHITE HOUSE
Subject: Invitation to the President
from King Mahendra of Nepal
Ambassador Sharma of Nepal called on Deputy
Assistant Secretary Van Hollen today to deliver
a verbal invitation from King Mahendra to President
Nixon to make a State Visit to Nepal. The
Ambassador said that a formal invitation would
follow if the President would be willing to accept.
No timing for the visit was indicated.
In extending the invitation on behalf of
King Mahendra, Ambassador Sharma noted that the
King had made two State Visits to the United States,
in 1960 and 1967, but no American President or
Vice President had ever visited Nepal. The
Ambassador referred to the good relations that had
always existed between the United States and Nepal
and hoped that the President would be able to
accept.
As far as the Department is aware, the highest
ranking member of the Executive Branch ever to visit
Nepal was at the Deputy Assistant Secretary level,
although a number of Senators and Representatives
and one Supreme Court Justice have been there.
John P.Walsh
John P. Walsh
Acting Executive Secretary
CONFIDENTIAL
DECLASSIFIED pursuant to review under E.O. 13526
Billowded
608
5-22-69
MEMORANDUM FOR THE PRESIDENT
FROM:
Henry A. Kissinger
SUBJECT: Presidential Message for USIA Pamphlet in Nepal
Ambassador Laise in Nepal has requested permission to print the
following message from you in a new USIA pamphlet to be published
on our aid program in Nepal:
"American assistance to Nepal began in 1952, the year
Dwight D. Eisenhower was elected President of the
United States. I have watched with great satisfaction the
part my country has played since then as a friend and
partner of Nepal in its development efforts.
"I take this opportunity to congratulate His Majesty King
Mahendra, His Majesty's Government and the people of
Nepal on the advances already made. My fellow Americans
and I share Nepal's hopes for progress and prosperity for
all its people.
From talking with Carol when she was here, we know that she is
working hard to make sure that our interest in the small countries
does not get lost behind our larger efforts. This is a small gesture
but an appropriate one.
Recommendation: That you approve the above message.
Approve HAK for Rim n n
Disapprove
HHSaunders :tmt 5/19/69
DECLASSIFIED pursuant to review under E.O. 13526
Retiru to Moose
THE WHITE house
washington
April 16, 1969
MEMORANDUM CONFIDENTIAL FOR MR. MOOSE
The President will have a full
briefing package from Ambassador
Mosbacher for this presentation of
credentials tomorrow.
I have done the attached only in
case you still want something from us.
As far as I can tell this afternoon, no
one is asking us for anything but I don't
want to leave you in the lurch.
Ital
Harold H. Saunders
CONFIDENTIAL
DECLASSIFIED pursuant to review under E.O. 13526
MEMORANDUM
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
INFORMATION
CONFIDENTIAL
MEMORANDUM FOR THE PRESIDENT
FROM:
Henry A. Kissinger
SUBJECT:
Presentation of Credentials by New Nepalese
Ambassador--1145 a. m., April 17
Ambassador Kul Shekhar Sharma (cool shake-ar Shar-ma) from
Nepal visited the US as a leader grantee in 1953, but you have
probably not met him.
Point to stress:
US interest in Nepal.
Point to avoid:
Recent US press criticism of King Mahendra. Sharma probably
will not raise this. [Los Angeles papers have criticized him for not
paying bills during his last visit to the US.
Talking points:
1. Your appreciation for the messages he will probably give
you from the King and the Prime Minister. You have pleasant memories
of your meeting with the King in 1960 and wish him and his new Prime
Minister (Bista) success. (It is possible that the greetings will be from
Bista's predecessor Thapa.)
2. You look forward to a continuation of warm relations between
Nepal and the US. You know that Ambassador Sharma and our
Ambassador in Nepal--Carol Laise (Mrs. Ellsworth Bunker) will
make a valuable contribution to our relations. You had the pleasure
of talking with Ambassador Laise while she was here a couple of
weeks ago.
3. We remain interested in Nepal and its economic development.
Ambassador Sharma's wide experience in development will be an
asset for both countries.
CONFIDENTIAL
DECLASSIFIED pursuant to review under E.O. 13526
CONFIDENTIAL
- 2 -
There are no important outstanding bilateral issues, and Sharma's
visit is primarily a formality, so it is unlikely that he will feel it
necessary to raise anything substantive.
Ambassador Mosbacher will be providing biographical and other
material related to this meeting.
CONFIDENTIAL
DECLASSIFIED pursuant to review under E.O. 13526
122
MEMORANDUM
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
ACTION
SECRET
April 16, 1969
MEMORANDUM FOR DR. KISSINGER
FROM:
Richard L. Sneider
ther
SUBJECT: Presentation of Credentials by Philippine
Ambassador Lagdameo - Thursday, April 17
The Department of State has sent you a copy of the
substantive briefing memo which it did for the presentation
of credentials by Ambassador Lagdameo (Tab B). That memo
will be in the briefing package transmitted to the President
by Protocol.
The suggested talking points are somewhat controversial
for a brief presentation of credentials by three Ambassadors
together. They also do not take account of some very recent
progress in the negotiation of bilateral issues.
I attach (Tab A) alternate talking points.
RECOMMENDATION:
That you sign the memorandum to the President at Tab A.
Attachments
DECLASSIFIED pursuant to review under E.O. 13526
SECRET
1438
& Saunders
2.Ret.
department OF state
Washington, D.C. 20520
5199
April 7, 1969
CONFIDENTIAL
MEMORANDUM FOR MR. HENRY A. KISSINGER
THE WHITE HOUSE
Subject: Substantive Briefing Material for
Presentation of Credentials to the
President by Ambassador Kul Shekhar Sharma
of Nepal
Enclosed are the substantive briefing materials which
will be included in the Chief of Protocol's memorandum to
the White House for Ambassador Kul Shekhar Sharma's pre-
sentation of credentials to the President. No date has
been set for the appointment.
Panen John P. Walsh
Walker
Acting Executive Secretary
Enclosures:
Tab A - Briefing Memorandum
Tab B - Biographic Data
Tab C - Country Data Sheet and Background Notes
Tab D - Nepalese Foreign Policy
Tab E - Ambassador Sharma's Remarks to the President
Tab F - The President's Reply
DECLASSIFIED pursuant to review under E.O. 13526
CONFIDENTIAL
MEMORANDUM
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
INFORMATION
SECRET
MEMORANDUM FOR THE PRESIDENT
FROM:
Henry A. Kissinger
SUBJECT: Presentation of Credentials by Philippine
Ambassador Lagdameo - Thursday, April 17
You may wish to raise the following points:
-- You enjoyed your conversation with President
Marcos, and look forward to a bilateral
relationship of mutual respect and support.
-- You repose full confidence in our Charge d'Affaires
in Manila, James M. Wilson, Jr. You recognize
the importance of the Manila post, however, and
are giving careful consideration to the selection of
a new Ambassador.
Ambassador Lagdameo may possibly take the opportunity
to raise certain current economic issues particularly those raised
by current Philippine efforts to curb imports to shore up the peso and
the Laurel-Langley Agreement.
A. Dollar Remittance Program -- Because of its balance of
payments problem, the Philippines is making an all-out effort to
gain our cooperation in implementing (1) measures which will keep
dollars spent by the U.S. Government and by the U.S. military
personnel in the Philippines out of the black market and in legal
banking channels and (2) procedures which will require Filipino
employees of the U.S. Government and its contractors outside the
Philippines to repatriate their dollars to legal Philippine banking
channels.
Suggested Reply -- You understand that progress is being
made in negotiations to aid the Philippine Government to keep dollars
out of black market channels, and that you understand Philippine
concern but hope that the Philippines will keep in mind the importance
of working closely together on specific actions affecting both our
interests.
DECLASSIFIED pursuant to review under E.O. 13526
SECRET
- 2 -
B. Trade Negotiations (Laurel-Langley Agreement) -- -
Until recently, the Filipinos were pressing hard for an early
renegotiation of our current trade agreement, which expires in
1974. During the recent visit of President Marcos to Washington,
however, Marcos told Secretary Rogers that he hoped this issue
could be carried over to 1970. Publicity regarding U.S. reluctance
to extend and broaden tariff preferences for Philippine articles
could be harmful to Marcos during this Philippine Presidential
election year. Secretary Rogers agreed that the United States
would not initiate action on this matter during 1969.
Suggested Reply -- Should Ambassador Lagdameo raise
it, you might confirm that the U.S. Government, for its part, is
giving the matter full consideration and is prepared to hold
the Laurel-Langley problem in abeyance until 1970 if desired by
the Philippine Government.
Attachments
SECRET
DECLASSIFIED pursuant to review under E.O. 13526
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON OBE
time now
all Way heche
you Caus 10
know sauthy
more an this -
1 so, let me
Know I
handle
43/1/69
DECLASSIFIED pursuant to review under E.O. 13526
Alice (Pat
inform State
not possible due
to funeral and
Presidents absence
from city -
Dick Moose
I think we have
to 90 back to S/S
and - say this is not
possible because of
(a) The funeral and (1)
the President's plan to
be ant 1 town The rest
of This week.
In fact, and Bunker
may bring Carol in on
his own.
Hal Sundus
DECLASSIFIED pursuant to review under E.O. 13526
1235
Sneided
department OF state
2. Ret.
Washington, D.C. 20520
4489
March 27, 1969
CONFIDENTIAL
MEMORANDUM FOR MR. HENRY A. KISSINGER
THE WHITE HOUSE
Subject: Request for an Appointment with the
President for Carol C. Laise, Ambassador
to Nepal
Ambassador Laise has requested an appointment with
the President during her consultation.
King Mahendra asked her to convey his personal
greetings to the President, whom he met during a State
Visit in 1960. Ambassador Laise would also like to
discuss Nepal's relations with the United States and
its membership on the UN Security Council this year.
Except for Wednesday and Thursday, April 2 and 3,
when she will accompany Ambassador Bunker to New York,
Ambassador Laise will be in Washington until April 5.
A biographic sketch of Ambassador Laise and back-
ground information on Nepal are enclosed.
cld.
1/2/69 5/5, 4:30 andrea
John P.Walsh
John P. Walsh
Acting Executive Secretary
Enclosures:
above
1. Biographic Sketch of Ambassador Laise
2. Nepalese Foreign Policy
3. Country Data Sheet and Background Notes
on Nepal
CONFIDENTIAL
DECLASSIFIED pursuant to review under E.O. 13526
AMBASSADOR CAROL C. LAISE
Carol C. Laise was born in Virginia in 1917 but grew up
in West Virginia. After graduating from American Uni-
versity with an A.B. degree in political science in 1938,
she attended graduate school there for two years and then
entered Federal service in 1940. During World War II she
worked in positions of increasing responsibility for the
Civil Service Commission, and after the war worked with
UNRRA in London. She joined the Department in 1948 in the
Bureau of United Nations Affairs and became a Foreign Service
officer in 1955. She served in New Delhi from 1956 to 1961
as First Secretary (Political) and returned to the United
States to take the Senior Seminar in Foreign Policy (1961-
1962).
Miss Laise served as Deputy Director for South Asian Affairs
from 1962 until 1965 when she became Director. In the re-
organization of the Department in 1966 she became Country
Director for India, Ceylon, Nepal, and the Maldive Islands.
She was appointed Ambassador to Nepal in October 1966 and
promoted to Career Minister in 1968.
Miss Laise married U.S. Ambassador Ellsworth Bunker in
Kathmandu on January 3, 1967. Her brother, Frederic S.
Laise, is Vice-President of the American Red Cross.
She is a winner of the Federal Woman's Award (1965) and of
the Department's Commendable Service Award (1960).
DECLASSIFIED pursuant to review under E.O. 13526
CONFIDENTIAL
NEPALESE FOREIGN POLICY
The single most important fact of life in Nepal's foreign affairs
continues to be the small kingdom's geographic situation landlocked
between India and Tibet, making its territory a place where the rival
interests of China and India compete. Accordingly, its chief role
in regional affairs continues to be that of a buffer, 500 miles long,
between the Tibetan Plateau and the Gangetic Plain - a role which
apparently is still acceptable to both China and India.
Geography dictates Nepalese economic dependence on India, a
dependence the Nepalese assiduously seek to lessen through the pre-
sence and help of other nations. China is the principal counter-
weight but a dangerous out, so the Nepalese also look to the United
Nations, the United States, the USSR and the United Kingdom, as well
as to smaller countries such as Israel and Switzerland. As a result,
Nepal has followed a consistent policy of non-alignment.
Nepal's basic orientation is toward India and the West, rather
than the Sino-Soviet bloc, although Nepal has accepted economic
assistance from both the USSR and China. Nepal looks to India,
Israel and the West for military assistance.
A member of the United Nations since 1955, Nepal has voted
rather consistently with the Afro-Asian group. Although generally
abstaining on East-West issues, Nepal has consistently opposed the
U.S. position on the Tibetan issue and on the question of represen-
tation of Communist China. As a Security Council member for the
1969-1971 term, Nepal moves into the international limelight and
may have to take positions which could offend powers on which it
depends for both a flow of aid and support of its neutralist foreign
policy. By its strong stand in defense of Czech freedom in August
1968, however, Nepal showed that it is prepared to run some political
risk in defense of a principle vital to itself as a small country.
On the Middle East, Nepal believes that a lasting peace is
possible only through negotiations which recognize the need for
respect of the sovereignty of all the nations in the region, re-
habilitation of the displaced indigenous population and ending of the
state of belligerency. Nepal fully supports the Security Council
resolution of November 22, 1967.
On Viet-Nam, Nepal supports a peaceful settlement based on
the 1954 Geneva Agreements. Privately, Nepalese leaders have
expressed understanding of the U.S. role in Viet-Nam, but their
powerful neighbors have considerable influence on public Nepalese
foreign policy pronouncements.
CONFIDENTIAL
NEA/INC - March 6, 1969
DECLASSIFIED pursuant to review under E.O. 13526
NEPAL
Capital: Kathmandu
Population: 10,600,000 (1968 est.)
RULER: King Mahendra Bir Bikram Shah Deva
Ascended throne in 1955.
PRIME MINISTER: Surya Bahadur Thapa
FOREIGN MINISTER: Gehendra Bahadur Rajbhandari
GOVERNMENT:
Nepal is a near-absolute monarchy with an appointed
Council of Ministers and an indirectly-elected
legislature.
PARTIES:
All political parties are banned.
ECONOMY:
Gross National Product: $770,000,000 (1968 est.)
GNP per capita:
$72
About 90% of the population is engaged in agricultural
pursuits, and the country is technically 100% self-
sufficient in food on the basis of a very minimum diet.
What few industries there are, are quite small scale and
consist largely of jute products, sugar refining, rice
and oilseed milling, and textiles. Tourism is a large
foreign exchange earner as is the service of Nepalese
nationals in the British and Indian armies. Nepal
exports food grains, jute, timber, herbs, and hides.
U.S. REPRESENTATION:
Kathmandu (E)
Ambassador Carol C. Laise
(Mrs. Ellsworth Bunker)
CONFIDENTIAL
DECLASSIFIED pursuant to review under E.O. 13526
1235
K
of
Background Notes
STATE
UNITED
NEPAL
/
STATES
of
Population: 10 million
country from a number of mountain states. The
Capital: Kathmandu
country was frequently called the Gurkha Kingdom,
and when recruitment of Nepalese soldiers for the
The Kingdom of Nepal, lying along the southern
British Indian Army began in the early 1800's, the
slopes of the Himalayas, has the shape of a rec-
British called them "Gurkhas." The name remained
tangle roughly 500 miles long and 100 miles wide.
and became world famous due to the bravery of
Nepal is landlocked and has two neighbors-India
Nepalese fighters in the First and Second World
to the south and Communist Chinese-controlled
Wars. Today Nepal permits both India and Britain
Tibet to the north.
to recruit Nepalese nationals for their armies.
The mountainous country has three distinctly
After 1800 the heirs of Prithvi Narayan Shah
different physical regions, each running laterally
proved unable to maintain firm political control
the length of the kingdom. In the south, a flat,
over Nepal, and a period of internal turmoil ensued.
fertile strip of territory called the Terai is part
Stability was restored in the 1840's when the Rana
of the Ganges Plain and shares the extreme heat
family gained power, entrenched itself through
of India. About a third of Nepal's 10 million in-
hereditary Prime Ministers, and reduced the mon-
habitants live in the Terai. Central Nepal, known
arch to a figurehead.
as the hill country, is crisscrossed by the lower
A tightly centralized autocracy, the Rana ad-
ranges of the Himalayas and by swift-flowing moun-
ministration pursued a conscious policy of isolating
tain rivers. The majority of Nepal's population
Nepal from external influences. This policy helped
lives in this temperate region, which also contains
Nepal maintain its national independence during
the Kathmandu Valley, focal point of the nation's
the colonial era, but at the same time left it in
political life. The Himalayas, the world's highest
an economic backwater.
mountains, run the length of northern Nepal. This
Democratic currents set in motion by the inde-
high mountain area has few people and frigid,
pendence movement in neighboring India had their
arctic winters.
impact on Nepal, and opposition to Rana rule grew
The unique, double-peaked shape of Nepal's flag
in the 1930's and 1940's. In 1950-51, shortly after
symbolizes the country's mountains. The red
India became independent, a popular revolution
triangles are edged with blue and carry white
toppled the Ranas, restored King Tribhuvan to
emblems representing the moon and the sun.
power, and paved the way for a non-Rana to become
Prime Minister. The decade of the 1950's saw a
THE PEOPLE
period of quasi-constitutional rule during which the
monarch, assisted by leaders of the fledgling political
The Nepalese are descendants of three major
parties, governed the country. At times Prime Min-
migrations from India, Tibet, and Central Asia.
isters from these parties were in office and repre-
The people are divided into many tribes (called
sented a wide spectrum of views. During other
"castes" in Nepal) such as the Gurungs and Magars
periods the throne ruled directly. King Tribhuvan
in the west; Tamangs and Newars in the center;
was succeeded after his death in 1955 by his son,
Bhotias in the north; Rais, Limbus, and Sherpas in
King Mahendra, who is the present ruler.
the east; and Tharus in the south. Ethnically and
Throughout the decade efforts were made to
culturally, the Nepalese in the Terai and central
frame a constitution for the country that would
hills have close links with India, and the majority
establish a representative form of government,
of the people are Hindus. There is a fair-sized
presumably patterned on a modified British model.
Buddhist minority (the Buddha was born in what is
In early 1959 such a constitution was issued by the
now Nepal). The inhabitants of northern Nepal
King, and shortly afterward the first democratic
bordering Tibet are mostly Buddhist.
elections were held for a national assembly.
The isolation of the country has made the
The Nepali Congress Party, a moderate social-
progress of education extremely slow, and only
ist group, gained a substantial victory and its
about 5 percent of the people can read and write.
leader, B. P. Koirala, was called upon to form a
The official language is Nepali, which is derived
government and serve as Prime Minister.
from Sanskrit, but more than 30 languages are
In December 1960 King Mahendra dismissed the
used in Nepal.
Koirala government, suspended the constitution, and
resumed direct rule. The King charged the Nepali
Net
HISTORY
Congress government with corruption, misuse of
Nepal was founded in the latter half of the 18th
power, and an inability to maintain law and order
century when Prithvi Narayan Shah, the ruler of
throughout the country. King Mahendra declared
the small principality of Gurkha, forged a unified
that Nepal was not yet ready for Western
DECLASSIFIED pursuant to review under E.O. 13526
80
Taklakhar
82
84
86
88
30
Simikot
30
IIPM
CHIN
A
Tradum
Baitadi
Bajang
Raga
Tsangpo
Silgarhi-Doti
Kaman
Jumla
Tanakpur
Matsang
Lhatse
of
Dzong
Mustang
Jongkha
Dzong
Dailekh
Dhangarhi
Jãjarkot
Kailãli
Kingri
Bherry
Dzong
Girang Dzong
Sallyana
INDTA
Baglung
Pokhara
Rasua
Piuthãn
Garhi
Nepalganj
Nuwãkot
Nyalam Dzong
28
Riri
Bazar
28g
Shahjahänpur
Kodãri
of
Käli
Gurkha
Nawakot
Chautara
Tansing
o
Dolakha
Taulihawa
KATMANDU
Arun
NEPAL
o
Bhimphedi
Okhaldhunga
Nautanwa
Taplejung
Railroad
Amlekhganj
Bhikhna Thori
Road or track
Bhojpur
Siswa
Dhankuta
Bäzär
O.Birganj
Ilam
0
25
50
75
Raxaul
100 Miles
Malangwa
Sun
o
25 50 75 100 Kilometers
CODIA
Gandak
Kosi
"Janakpur
Gorakhpur
INDIA
/
Biratnagar
Jaynagar
80
84
86
Jogbani
88
53626 3-67
DECLASSIFIED pursuant to review under E.O. 13526
parliamentary institutions and needed a democratic
about $70, it has made noteworthy progress in the
political system closer to Nepalese traditions. To
past decade.
meet this need the King initiated a partyless system
A countrywide education program is under way.
of "panchayat," or village council democracy.
A university has been established. Malaria has
been brought under control in a large and previously
uninhabitable area. The capital city of Kathmandu
GOVERNMENT
now is linked to India and Tibet by road and to
other towns in Nepal by radio. Several hydro-
The King exercises broad powers over Nepal's
electric projects have been completed. Some small
"panchayat" system of government. The panchayat
industries are being developed to process agri-
system draws its theoretical inspiration from the
cultural products and manufacture items for local
traditional local government institution found in
consumption such as cotton textiles, matches, cig-
parts of Nepal-the village panchayat.
arettes, and shoes. A system of internal finance and
Under the 1962 Constitution four tiers of govern-
public administration has been established. A start
ment were established: village or town panchayats;
has been made toward a rational exploitation of
district (county) panchayats; zonal (provincial) pan-
Nepal's three major economic resources-forests,
chayats; and, at the apex, a national panchayat
hydroelectric potential, and tourism.
which is the national legislature. Members of the
Agriculture remains Nepal's principal economic
village or town panchayats are elected by universal
activity, providing more than two-thirds of the
suffrage. The district, zonal, and national pan-
country's income. Rice is the main food crop. In
chayat members are elected indirectly by the pan-
recent years jute has been cultivated as a com-
chayats immediately beneath them in the hierarchical
mercial crop.
order.
Nepal's foreign trade, almost entirely with India,
The Council of Ministers is the executive arm
has grown in recent years as the pace of development
of the Government and gives policy advice to the
has accelerated. Nepal's exports are primarily
King. The Ministers are appointed by the King
agricultural products and timber; its imports are
from the membership of the National Panchayat.
largely manufactured goods, with textiles the largest
Elections were held in 1963 and the new na-
single item.
tional legislature (the National Panchayat) held its
Nepal is seeking to lay the basis for a modern
opening session in April 1963. One-half of the
economy-a task made difficult because of the
seats in the National Panchayat became vacant in
country's rugged terrain and its recent emergence
1967 under the provision for staggered 6-year
from a traditional feudal society. Maintenance of
terms of office for Panchayat members. Elections
a sufficient rate of economic progress to keep pace
were held in April 1967 to fill these seats.
with the rising aspirations of the population is now,
In the past few years the Government has in-
and is likely to continue to be, a primary task for
itiated a number of significant social reforms,
Nepal.
including a program of land reform and a modern-
ization of the legal code removing legal sanction
for caste discrimination. However, Nepal still
FOREIGN RELATIONS
faces challenging political and social tasks in order
to develop stable governmental institutions that can
As a small landlocked country wedged between
meet the needs of a modern society. The Govern-
two larger and far stronger powers, Nepal's pri-
ment also faces the problem of reforming social
mary foreign policy problems concern Communist
institutions and customs SO that the society itself
China and India. Nepal has sought to develop and
can keep abreast of political and economic changes
maintain a policy of close and officially friendly
under way.
relations with both. During the Sino-Indian border
crisis in 1962 Nepal adopted an official posture of
neutrality toward the border dispute, and limited
A
ECONOMY
its public statements to expressions of hope that
the two countries could settle their differences
When the modern era began in 1951, Nepal had
peacefully. On international issues, Nepal has fol-
virtually no schools, no hospitals, no roads, no
lowed a nonalined and neutralist policy. Nepal
telecommunications, no electric power, no industry,
generally votes with the Afro-Asian group at the
and no civil service. Nepal had a subsistence
United Nations.
agrarian economy.
Nepal formally established relations with Com-
Owing to efforts by the Government of Nepal
munist China in 1956, when the two countries signed
and substantial amounts of external assistance,
a treaty of friendship. At that time Nepal relin-
principally from India and the United States, a
quished certain extraterritorial rights it had gained
start has been made toward laying the foundations
in Tibet as a result of mid-19th century wars. The
for economic growth. Nepal completed a 3-year
status of the undemarcated 650-mile-long Sino-
plan (1962-65) which stressed fundamental economic
Nepalese border was settled by a 1960 treaty.
needs. The current 5-year plan (1966-1970) calls
The Chinese Communists have promised Nepal
Net
for the expenditure of $329 million. While Nepal
large amounts of economic aid. However, a motor-
remains one of the least developed countries in
able road from Kathmandu to the Tibetan border is
Asia, with an estimated per capita income of
the principal major project that has materialized.
3
DECLASSIFIED pursuant to review under E.O. 13526
Because of strong cultural, linguistic, religious,
has several programs in Nepal which assist develop-
and economic ties, Nepal's associations with India
ment in education, agriculture, forestry, and pan-
are much closer than those with China. Geographi-
chayats.
cally Nepal occupies a key position in the Himalayan
The United States has given limited military
defense perimeter of the Indo-Pakistan subcon-
assistance to the Royal Nepalese Army. The United
tinent. India has recognized Nepal's strategic im-
Kingdom and India are also providing military aid
portance and has made clear that it will not coun-
to Nepal.
tenance any encroachments on Nepalese territorial
integrity.
U.S. policy toward Nepal has these objectives:
Despite these close links, the Indo-Nepalese re-
1. Support for the maintenance of Nepalese
lationship has not been entirely smooth. After King
independence and territorial integrity and the de-
Mahendra resumed power in 1960, friction developed
over Indian criticism of his action and over raids
velopment of democratic political institutions.
against Nepal by exiles whom the Nepalese charged
2. Support for Nepal's effort to develop her
were using India as a safe haven. Since the Chinese
human and social resources through selected pro-
attack on India in late 1962, both India and Nepal have
grams of economic aid and technical assistance.
worked toward overcoming previous difficulties.
India has provided Nepal with substantial eco-
3. Support for the broadening of political rela-
nomic assistance, which currently totals more than
tions between Nepal and other free-world countries
$14 million annually. Indian projects cover a wide
and encouragement to other free-world countries
spectrum of activities, including roadbuilding,
to increase their participation in programs of
health, hydroelectric dams, and industrial projects.
economic assistance to Nepal.
Nepal and the United Kingdom have maintained
various forms of representation for over 150 years,
and their relations today are friendly. Nepalese
PRINCIPAL GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS
nationals continue to serve in Gurkha units of the
British Army, and Britain maintains a Gurkha re-
King
cruiting station in eastern Nepal. King Mahendra
paid a state visit to Britain in 1960, and Queen
Mahendra Bir Bikram Shah Deva
Elizabeth visited Nepal in 1961.
The Soviet Union has had a resident Embassy
in Nepal since 1959 and has provided Nepal with
Council of Ministers
some economic assistance, largely in the indus-
trial sector. The Soviets have agreed to build
Surya Bahadur Thapa-Prime Minister; Finance;
a 75-mile-long road in southern Nepal. King
Palace Affairs; General Administration
Mahendra paid a state visit to the U.S.S.R. in 1958,
Kirti Nidhi Bista-Deputy Prime Minister; Foreign
and President Voroshilov visited Nepal in 1960.
Affairs; Economic Planning
Giri Prasad Burhathoki-Defense
Rajeshwar Devkota-Food and Agriculture; Land
U.S. POLICY
Reform
Surendra Bahadur Basnyat-Law; Justice; Education
Gehendra B. Rajbhandari-Home and Panchayat; In-
Since their formal establishment in 1947, U.S.-
formation and Broadcasting
Nepal relations have been friendly. A resident
U.S. Embassy was opened in 1959, and King Mahendra
paid a state visit to the United States in 1960. Our
Ministers of State
policy of assisting less-developed countries has
corresponded with Nepal's own desires to build its
Daya Nidhi Sharma-Forests
national economy and develop its political and
Gyanendra Bahadur Karki-Power and Irrigation
social institutions.
Gunjeshwari Prasad Singh-Industry and Commerce
Bishnu Kumar Tumbahamphe-Health
The United States has provided approximately
Rudra Prasad Giri-Transport and Communication
$110 million worth of economic assistance since
the aid program commenced in Nepal in 1951.
About half of the aid has been in dollars and half
Other Officials
in Indian rupees which have come from food sales
to India under Public Law 480.
Nagendra Prasad Rijal-Chairman of the National
U.S. aid, which now runs about $10 million
Panchayat
annually, helps to provide for basic economic and
Gen. Surendra B. Shah-Commander in Chief of
social needs such as rural development, education,
the Army
health, communications, forest development, small
Bhagbati Prasad Singh-Chief Justice
industry, and the development of local self-govern-
Maj. Gen. P. B. Khatri-Ambassador to the United
ment institutions. In addition, the Peace Corps
States
4
DECLASSIFIED pursuant to review under E.O. 13526
The Kingdom of Nepal maintains an Embassy
Hagen, Toni, Nepal, the Kingdom in the Himalayas,
in the United States at 2131 Leroy Place, Washington,
Bern, Kummerley and Frey, Calcutta, and New
D.C. 20008.
Delhi, Oxford Book and Stationery Co., 1960.
Jain, Girilal, India Meets China in Nepal, Bombay,
PRINCIPAL U.S. OFFICIALS
Asia Publishing House, 1959.
Joshi, Bhuwanhal, and Rose, Leo E., Democratic
Innovations in Nepal, Berkeley, University of
Ambassador-Carol C. Laise
California Press, 1966.
Deputy Chief of Mission-Harry G. Barnes, Jr.
Karan and Jenkins, The Himalayan Kingdoms: Bhu-
Director, USAID Mission-John Benz
tan, Sikkim, and Nepal, Princeton, D. van Nostrand
Public Affairs Officer, USIS-George E. Miller
Co., Inc., 1963.
Peace Corps Director-George Zeidenstein
Karan and Jenkins, Nepal-A Physical and Cultural
Defense Attache-Lt. Col. Kenneth F. Jackson
Geography, Lexington, University of Kentucky
Administrative Officer-Robert J. Jackson
Press, 1960.
Economic-Commercial Officer-Henry E. Mattox
Landon, Perceval, Nepal, 2 vols., London, Con-
Consular Officer-Joseph Pauley
stable and Co., 1928.
Levi, Sylvain, Le Nepal: Etude Historique d'un
Royaume Hindou, Paris, Ernest Leroux, 1905-08.
The United States maintains an Embassy in
Northey, W. Brook, and Morris, C. J., The Gurkhas,
Nepal at Kathmandu.
Their Manners, Customs and Country, London,
John Lane, 1928.
Regmi, Mahesh C., Land Tenure and Taxation in
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Nepal, Berkeley, Institute of International Studies,
University of California, 1963-65.
Constitution of Nepal, Report of the Decentral-
Shaha, Rishikesh, Heroes and Builders of Nepal,
ization Commission, Kathmandu, Department of
London, Oxford University Press, 1965.
Publicity, His Majesty's Government of Nepal,
Shrestha, Amrit Man, Problems of Nepalese Econ-
1965.
omy, published by author, c/o American Embassy,
Gupta, Anirudha, Politics in Nepal, Bombay, Allied
Kathmandu, 1964.
Publishers, and London, George Allen and Unwin,
Tuker, Sir Francis, Gorkha, the Story of the Gurkhas
Ltd., 1964.
of Nepal, London, Constable and Co., 1957.
PRINCIPAL GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS
OTHER OFFICIALS
King
Lalit Chand-Chairman of the National
Mahendra Bir Bikram Shah Deva
Panchayat
COUNCIL OF MINISTERS
Bhagvati Prasad Singh-Chief Justice
General Surendra Bahadur Shah-
Prime Minister Surya Bahadur Thapa:
Commander in Chief of the Army
Palace Affairs; General Administration;
Kul Shekhar Sharma-Ambassador-
Home-Panchayat
designate to the United States
Giri Prasad Burhathoki: Defense
Maj. General Padma Bahadur Khatri-
Surendra Bahadur Basnyat: Finance:
Ambassador to the U.S. and Permanent
Industry and Commerce
Representative to the UN
Gehendra Bahadur Rajbhandari: Foreign
Affairs; Education
Rudra Prasad Giri: Land Reform; Food
and Agriculture
Ministers of State
PRINCIPAL U.S. OFFICIALS
Nav Raj Subedi-Home Panchayat
Ambassador-Carol C. Laise (Mrs. Ellsworth
Bishnu Kumar Tumbahamphe-Water Resources
Bunker)
and Power
Deputy Chief of Mission-Davis Eugene
Basudev Dhungana-Law and Justice
Boster
Bishwa Nath Agrawal-Information and
Director, USAID Mission-Carter C. Ide
Broadcasting
Public Affairs Officer, USIS-Fentress Gardne:
Lok Pratap Singh Bisht-Forests
Peace Corps Director-Bruce Morgan
Netra Bikram Thapa-Health
Defense Attache-Lt. Col. William Stites
Rabindra Nath Sharma-General Administration
Administrative Officer-Edwin H. Mott
Nain Bahadur Swanr Land Reform
Economic-Commercial Officer-Henry E. Mattox
Singha Dhoj Khadga-Public Works, Communication
Consular Officer-David Harr
and Transport
DECLASSIFIED pursuant to review under E.O. 13526
susp id
MEMORANDUM
ret'd Corignot as
THE WHITE HOUSE
of 4/16)
WASHINGTON
LIMITED OFFICIAL USE
Thursday, March 13, 1969
MEMORANDUM FOR THE PRESIDENT
THROUGH: Dwight L. Chapin
FROM:
Henry A. Kissinger
SUBJECT: Farewell Call by Nepalese Ambassador
The Nepalese Ambassador here is moving to New York to
devote full time to his job as Nepal's Permanent Representative to the
UN. Since December 1964, he has held both posts concurrently, but
Nepal has just begun a two-year term as a member of the UN Security
Council so the New York job will be more demanding.
State recommends that you receive the Ambassador for a
farewell call. The normal rule of thumb has been to arrange such calls
only for those ambassadors who have served here five years or longer.
Although Ambassador Khatri has been here for only a little over four
years, State believes a little special attention to a new member of the
potentially hostile Security Council would be useful preventive medicine.
Were it not for this UN angle, State would not suggest you see him.
Your decision depends on a general judgment about how
much of your time you wish to devote to this sort of tactical purpose.
There is no question that this would be marginally useful and might even
help Charlie Yost sway a Security Council vote one day. But this sort of
demand on your time could mushroom, and it is always hard to cut back.
Recommendation: That you agree to see him for ten minutes
unless you sense that this kind of pressure on your time threatens to get
out of hand.
I'll see him
Prefer not to
LIMITED OFFICIAL USE
DECLASSIFIED pursuant to review under E.O. 13526
DEPARTMENT OF STATE
OFFICE OF THE CHIEF OF PROTOCOL
March 3, 1969
MEMORANDUM FOR MR. DWIGHT L. CHAPIN
THE WHITE HOUSE
Subject: Request for appointment with the
President to reœive departing
Ambassador Khatri of Nepal for a
courtesy farewell call.
Ambassador Khatri presented credentials as the
Nepalese Ambassador on December 3, 1964. Therefore,
he has served in Washington for over four years.
Although requests generally are limited to five
years or more service for the purpose of farewell
calls, the reasons set forth in Assistant Secretary
Sisco's memorandum would seem to justify one in this
instance (Sisco memorandum and biography on Ambassador
Khatri attached).
If the President agrees to receive Ambassador Khatri,
please inform me of the scheduled time and date. I, in
turn, will advise the Ambassador and a Protocol Officer
will be present to accompany him to the President.
Emil Mosbacher, Jr.
Attachments:
1. Memorandum from Assistant Secretary sisco, NEA
2. Biographic information on Ambassador Khatri
DECLASSIFIED pursuant to review under E.O. 13526
department OF state
Washington, D.C. 20520
LIMITED OFFICIAL USE
FEB 24 1969
TO
: S/CPR - Ambassador Mosbacher
FROM
: NEA - Joseph J. Sisco
JP
SUBJECT: Farewell Call on the President by the Nepalese
Ambassador
Nepalese Ambassador Major General Padma Bahadur Khatri
has requested an appointment for a farewell call on the
President. Ambassador Khatri has served concurrently
as Nepalese Ambassador to the United States and Permanent
Representative to the United Nations since December 1964.
He leaves his Washington assignment this month to handle
their UN office exclusively.
Nepal became a member of the Security Council January 1
for a two-year term. Under the rotation schedule
Ambassador Khatri will be President of the Security
Council in April.
We believe it would be desirable for the President to
have an opportunity for a brief meeting with Ambassador
Khatri. We recommend that specific substantive matters
not be discussed. We see the benefits of a farewell call
as an opportunity to remind the Nepalese we are interested
in their actions on the Council, and to give the Ambassador
a chance for personal contact with the President.
Enclosure:
Biographic note
Clearances:
NEA - Mr. Handley
NEA/INC - Mr. Van
IO/UNP - Mr. Long
LIMITED OFFICIAL USE
E703
NEA/INC:EFO Brien:cab
2/18/69 X 2625
DECLASSIFIED pursuant to review under E.O. 13526
LIMITED OFFICIAL USE
2
Ambassador Khatri's successor, Ambassador-designate Kul Shekhar
Sharma, is expected to arrive in Washington about March 1st.
It would be helpful if an appointment with the President for
Ambassador Khatri could be scheduled soon after the President's
return from Europe, so that an appointment for Ambassador
Sharma to present his credentials could be scheduled without
too much delay after his arrival.
A recent biographic note on Ambassador Khatri is enclosed.
LIMITED OFFICIAL USE
DECLASSIFIED pursuant to review under E.O. 13526
CONFIDENTIAL
KHATRI, Padma Bahadur
NEPAL
Ambassador to the United States
Major General Padma Bahadur Khatri is considered a highly
competent and loyal civil servant of Nepal. He entered
Nepalese civilian service after a long military career in
which he attained the rank of Major General. His service
included combat with the Allied forces in Assam and Burma in
World War II. He is proud of his military career and the
fact that he advanced through his own efforts rather than
through family and political connections. Before becoming
Ambassador to the United States in December 1964, Ambassador
Khatri served as Defense Secretary and Foreign Secretary in
the Nepalese Government. He is also Nepal's Permanent
Representative to the United Nations and Ambassador to Chile,
Argentina and Canada. On June 11, 1968 King Mahendra honored
him with the Supradipta Manyavara Nepal-Tara (First Class),
one of the highest Nepalese decorations.
Before coming to the United States, Ambassador Khatri
reportedly had no well-formulated ideology, although he often
said he would hate to live in a Communist country. Since coming
here he has developed a sympathy for, and understanding of, the
United States and some of its problems. In particular, without
agreeing with United States policy towards Viet-Nam, he has
expressed understanding of our difficulties and of the value
to Nepal of our effort there. In addition to comprehension
of the threat from China, the Ambassador shares the usual fear
of India.
Ambassador Khatri was born in Kathmandu in 1915 and
belongs to the influential Chhetri caste. He has a B.S. degree
from Patna University in India, and in 1946 attended the
British military staff college at Quetta (now in Pakistan).
DECLASSIFIED
E.O. 13526, Section 3.5
PER RAC REVIEW 9/24/2005
CONFIDENTIAL
By
UHS
NARA, Date 4/26/2012
GROUP 3
Downgraded at 12 year intervals;
not automatically declassified.
[pp. 1 of 3]
DECLASSIFIED pursuant to review under E.O. 13526
KHATRI
CONFIDENTIAL
2.
General Khatri joined the Royal Nepalese Army in 1935
and is the seventh generation of his family to make the army
a career. Following World War II he served from 1947 to 1949
as military attache in London and during the UN General
Assemblies in 1948 and 1949 was an observer for Nepal. He
served in Malaya from 1950 to 1951 as Nepalese liaison officer
with the British Brigade of Gurkhas. In 1959 he became
director of military operations at RNA headquarters and in
1960 was promoted to Major General and made Quartermaster
General of the Army. From 1960 to 1963, as chairman of the
Sino-Nepalese Boundary Commission, he was a tough bargainer
with the Chinese and became well acquainted with them. In
addition to that duty, in April 1961 he was named Defense
Secretary and in December 1962 became concurrently Foreign
Secretary.
The military background is apparent in Khatri's
personality. A parade ground voice, a degree of efficiency
greater than that of many Nepalese, and an understanding of
loyalty and obligation are some of his more notable charac-
teristics. As a military man, he is scornful of politics
which he calls "a dirty business" and feels that most
politicians are only out for personal gain.
While the Ambassador can be reserved and uncommunicative
with new acquaintances, when he warms up, he can be a good
conversationalist. He is sensitive, however, that he be
paid the respect his office deserves. He speaks excellent
English, has a good memory, well-ordered mind, a quick wit
and a well-developed sense of humor. Quick to anger, he is
equally quick to appreciate a personal kindness shown to him.
A moderately orthodox Hindu who abstains only from eating
beef, Ambassador Khatri enjoys his Scotch, likes to play
bridge. A keen observer of world affairs, he is well read,
particularly in military history. Personal hobbies include
horseback riding and hunting. Ambassador Khatri is married
and has three sons and a daughter. The oldest son attended
CONFIDENTIAL
[pp. 1 of 3]
DECLASSIFIED pursuant to review under E.O. 13526
KHATRI
CONFIDENTIAL
3.
American University until recently and another son is studying
aeronautical engineering in Florida. His youngest and perhaps
favorite son (age 14) he hopes will follow a military career.
The Khatris' daughter is an attractive girl who has taken
very much to American dress and ways.
CONFIDENTIAL
Cpp. 3 of 3]
DECLASSIFIED pursuant to review under E.O. 13526
DEPARTMENT OF STATE
OFFICE OF THE CHIEF OF PROTOCOL
March 3, 1969
MEMORANDUM FOR MR. DWIGHT L. CHAPIN
THE WHITE HOUSE
Subject: Request for appointment with the
President to receive departing
Ambassador Khatri of Nepal for a
courtesy farewell call.
Ambassador Khatri presented credentials as the
Nepalese Ambassador on December 3, 1964. Therefore,
he has served in Washington for over four years.
Although requests generally are limited to five
years or more service for the purpose of farewell
calls, the reasons set forth in Assistant Secretary
Sisco's memorandum would seem to justify one in this
instance (Sisco memorandum and biography on Ambassador
Khatri attached).
If the President agrees to receive Ambassador Khatri,
please inform me of the scheduled time and date. I, in
turn, will advise the Ambassador and a Protocol Officer
will be present to accompany him to the President.
Emil Mosbacher, Jr.
Attachments:
1. Memorandum from Assistant Secretary SISCO, NEA
2. Biographic information on Ambassador Khatri
DECLASSIFIED pursuant to review under E.O. 13526