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July 1966 · At the Edge of Tashkent

Editorial Introduction

In January 1966, New Delhi's diplomatic circuit moved in lockstep with high-stakes talks in Tashkent. As Tanzania's High Commissioner to India, Dr. Salim Ahmed Salim recorded receptions, courtesy calls, and the solemn send-off for Prime Minister Shastri ahead of the negotiations. Days later, the Tashkent Declaration would end active hostilities—followed by Shastri's sudden passing, which reverberated across the region.

PDF — July 1966

Diary Entries

Monday, July 4, 1966

10:30 AM
To call on the Sec. to the Prime Minister Mr. F.K. Than at Prime Minister's Office, External Affairs, South Block

Tuesday, July 5, 1966

8:30 PM
Dinner by the Polish Ambassador at 1, Lialt Haji, New Delhi
1:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Reception by the Ambassador of Venezuela to celebrate the 157th Anniversary of the Declaration of the Independence of Venezuela at the Hotel
10:00 AM
Mr. Kapoor (Mohan Lal) & call at the office.
3:30 PM
HIndi Professor Kaushalaya at my residence. Tell: 263794

Thursday, July 7, 1966

12:00 AM
4:30 & 9:00 p.m. Reception at The Ashoka Hotel to meet BORC manager (studies) by the B.D.A.C. Manager (Delhi).
8:30 PM
Dinner at my residence - To celebrate Sabra Saba Day.

Friday, July 8, 1966

11:00 AM
To call on Dr. Bansal.

Monday, July 11, 1966

7:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Reception by the Ambassador of Mongolia to celebrate the 45th Anniversary of the People's Revolution at the Ashoka Hotel!
11:30 AM
to call on the Health Minister Dr. Sukhlal Nayyar at Patiala House on Tduk Marg, near India Gate, Luwana Anla.

Wednesday, July 13, 1966

10:30 AM
Swedish Ambassador to call at 42, Geoff Links.
7:00 PM to 8:30 PM
-8:30 p.m. Reception by Mr. & Mrs. Barney to say good-bye & to meet Mr. A.E.K. Oji. Also the new Counsellor at 9, Ranch Sheel Marg.

Thursday, July 14, 1966

11:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Reception by the Charge d'Affaires of Iraq to celebrate the 5th Anniversary of the Republic Day at Ashoka Hotel.
10:00 AM
To call on the Minister of Planning Dr. Asoklalekhta at Room 219, Yojana Bhawan (Ministry of Plan,,)

Friday, July 15, 1966

7:00 PM to 8:00 PM
7-8:00 p.m. Mr. & Mrs. Chatterjee will Call at my Residence.

Monday, July 18, 1966

12:00 PM
Reception by the Ambassador of Spain to celebrate the Spanish National Day at 12, Bukhari Road, New Delhi.

Tuesday, July 19, 1966

7:30 PM
Cocktail by Consul General J.D.P.R.Q. Korea & Did farewell to Mr. Ho Ki Bang & Mrs. Ho at 4, IInd, Janpath Marg, New Delhi. Wednesday 20 9:00 a.m. APPt. with Dr. K.S.Puri
11:00 AM
APPt. with Dr. Ajaywal (Rediosrpt) 10, Urban Road

Wednesday, July 20, 1966

12:00 AM
5 & 6:30 p.m. Reception & inauguration of the Indian Sophotography Hospital by the Ambassador of Colombia to commemorate the 157th Anniversary of the Independence of 3rd of Juigalpa Nage, New Delhi.
7:30 PM
Cocktails & Film Show by the Consul General of D.R. & Viet Nam on the occasion of the 12th Anniversary of the Signing of the Geneva Agreements on Vietnam ad 20, Jugal Dites.

Thursday, July 21, 1966

8:00 PM
Mr. H.S. Chopra, to call at my residence.
7:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Reception by the H.C. of Australia in honour of members of the visiting Australian Parliamentary Delegation at the Australian Compound.
9:00 AM
To call on Dr. Sachin (Dentist!)
9:30 AM
To see a Mr. Kapasi, 8:00 p.m. to call on Dr. Sen, businessman.
6:00 PM
Dr. Nordan Egypt Exhibit.

Friday, July 22, 1966

7:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Reception by the Ambassador of the Polish People's Republic on the occasion of Poland's National Day at 1, Hlak Marg, New Delhi.

Saturday, July 23, 1966

4:30 PM
Reception by the Ambassador of U.A.R. to celebrate the National Day at 28-A Pithwaring Road, New Delhi.

Sunday, July 24, 1966

7:30 AM
Drinks by the Deputy H.C. for New Zealand at 51 Golf Links.

Monday, July 25, 1966

7:30 PM
Cocktails by Mr. Luis Carrera to say good-bye at 4-A Bhagwan Dass Road.
8:00 PM
Mr. Chopra to call at E.106, Greater Kailash. Parliament commences.

Tuesday, July 26, 1966

12:00 AM
Tentatively to be hospitalized in Dr. Suri’s Nursing Home.

Wednesday, July 27, 1966

11:00 AM
Appt. with Dr. Balraj Sandhu (Dentist) at 27, Sundar Nagar Market First Floor New Delhi - 11 Tel: 619021

Thursday, July 28, 1966

10:00 AM
Appt. with Dr. Balraj Sandhu at 27, Sundar Nagar.