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MEV           
This telegram must be                                                          London
closely paraphrased  being communicated                            Dated April 9, 1942
to anyone. (MC)                                                                  Rec'd 2:30 p.m.
 
Secretary of State,
  
Washington.
 
 
 
TRIPLE PRIORITY
 
1721, April 9, 5 p.m., (SECTION ONE).
 
  XXXXXX   AND PERSONAL FOR THE PRESIDENT FROM HOPKINS.
 
        There is an unfortunate impression here that  Louis Johnson
 is acting as your personal representative and under your instructions
 mediating between the British and the Indian Congress. Within the
 past few hours Cripps apparently in cooperation with Johnson has
 submitted a new proposal relative to the control of defenses in India.
 This proposal was made to the India Congress without consultation
 with the Governor General or with Wavell and with no knowledge 
of the British Government here. I have a feeling that Cripps very naturally
 is using Johnson who in turn uses your name very freely.
 
I have told the Prime Minister and Eden that Johnson is not acting as a
 mediator on your behalf but whatever he is doing at the specific request
of Cripps.
                                                                      MATTHEWS