Note, P. S. Ratnam, 'Starred Question No. 8196 for 30-8-1965 in Lok Sabha'

MOST IMMEDIATE

MINISTRY OF DEFENCE

D(Parl)

SUBJECT:- Starred Question No. 8196 for 30-8-1965 in Lok Sabha.

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Reference Lok Sabha Secretariat (Question Branch) u.o. No. 80 8196/30.8/65-Q, dated the 18th August 1965, on the above subject, addressed to the Ministry of External Affairs.

2. A note containing the facts regarding this Question in so far as this Ministry is concerned is sent herewith as desired by the Ministry of External Affairs.

[signature]

(P.S. RATNAM)

Under Secretary

Tel. 34944.

LOK SABHA SECTT. (Question Branch)

M of D u.o. No. F. 217/QLS-XII/65/D(Parl), dt. 30-8-1965

Copy to:- Ministry of External Affairs (China Division), Shri K.K.S. Rana, Under Secretary, with reference to their u.o. No. D. 12397/C/65, dated the 21st August 1965.

[handwritten note appears bottom page 1]

FACTUAL NOTE REGARDING LOK SABHA QUESTION NO. 8196 FOR 30.8.1965.

The Chiefs of Staff were asked to make an evaluation of the impact of the Chinese nuclear explosion and their interim report has since been received. According to their preliminary assessment, the immediate and the real threat from China will be with the conventional arms, ammunition, etc. Naturally the nuclear explosion by China does pose a long term military threat. The strategic implications of China’s developing nuclear capabilities and the consequent action India is to take to safeguard her security, are, however, under constant review. This problem would need to be studied continuously. It will not be in public interest to disclose details.

2. There is no objection to the above information being communicated to the Honourable Member.

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