"Pandit Nehru has made profound impression me” said President Truman, to-day. There is no doubt that he fully meant it. The President added, “He is not only a fine gentleman but a great public servant" and hoped his visit would lead to more cordial relations between America and India.
Pandit "Nehru spent 45 minutes with Mr. Truman to-day and another hour with Mr. Dean Acheson. A wide range at subjects of common interest was covered during the interviews and I learn that the talks proceeded in the most cordial and the friendliest spirit and helped each party to understand the other’s viewpoint better.
It was a grinding day for Panditji today. It began with his entertaining children of the Embassy's staff- he never seems to tire of the company of children. Then he went on to the more important business of addressing Congress, met the President and the Secretary of State and ended the day entertaining leading American dignitaries. In between was thrown the visit to the National Art Gallery and the Library of Congress, which, with its six million volumes, including tomes in Indian languages is the biggest library in the world.
With the fulfilment of to-day's engagements the first phase of Pandit Nehru's tour may be deemed to have ended- the phase of clearing that cob-webs of misunderstanding in the Amerjcan mind about the various nuances of India's foreign policy.
Emerging from the President's room after his interview, Pandit Nehru made one significant, remark. Pressmen surrounded him and questioned 'him on the topics he discussed with Mr. Truman. '
"I discussed only generalities," replied Pandit and then turning to Sir G. S. Bajpai, who was beside him, added, "I leave it to people like him to take care of details.”
This may be- taken to imply that the Prime Minister broadly explained India's attitude to the various issues of interest to her and the details, if any, will be filled in at the next lower level.
Sir G. S. Bajpai, in fact, has been already busy conferring with State Department officials and other concerned diplomats. Pandit Nehru will again meet Mr. Truman tomorrow but it is only a social gathering in the Indian Embassy.
He leaves the capital on Saturday on the second half of the trip. I understand that the quiet week-end he is supposed to spend at White Sulphur Springs is not going to be so quiet but Pandit Nehru will meet many important financiers, businessmen and representatives of important organisations.
Indian correspondents covering Pandit Nehru's tour were received by Mr. Truman to-day at White House, We were, invited to attend the President's weekly Press Conference at the conclusion of which we received a pleasant surprise when we were informed that the President would be pleased to meet us. We were introduced one by one to the President. Yesterday, we were invited to Secretary Acheson’s Press Conference and Mr. Acheson began the proceedings with a reference to our presence. We were all introduced to the Secretary.
