India_Calcutta

MSG Detachment
American Consulate General
Calcutta, India
(MSG Detachment deactivated in 1991)

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COMMAND CHRONOLOGY
HQBn, HQMC / RMO Region 2 (1948-1954)
Fox Co., HQMC / RMO Region 2 (1954-1971)
MSGBn / Company B (1971-2007)
MCESG / Region 2 (2007-)

MSG Detachments Within India

American Embassy New Delhi
(active MSG Detachment Post)
AmConGen Mumbai (Bombay)
MSG Detachment deactivated in 1968
- to be reactivated in 2009
AmConGen Calcutta (Kolkata)
MSG Detachment deactivated in 1991
AmConGen Madras (Chennai)
MSG Detachment deactivated in 1969

US Embassy: India
CIA Factbook: India
Military.com: India
Wikipedia: India
Info Please:India
US Embassies: World-wide
India Embassy: Washington, DC
Lonely Planet: India
US State Dept Consular Information: India
Altapedia Online: India
Library of Congress: India
Political Graveyard: India
US Dept of Agriculture FAS: India
Nations Online: Country Info
Study Abroad: India
A Lovely World: Country Info
US Dept of Agriculture FAS: Country Info
Dept of State: Country & Region Information
US Embassies: World-wide
Embassy World: Information
Embassy World: US Embassies
Embassy World: Foreign Embassies
Aneki World Almanac: Country Info
INFO: Yahoo Country Review
INFO: US-Georgian Diplomatic Relations - Historical
INFO: US-European Diplomatic History

TRAVEL: WikiTravel
TRAVEL: Travel Log India
TRAVEL: India Explorers

INFO: Time - India
INFO: Weather - India
INFO: Wikipedia - Languages - India
INFO: Languages - India
INFO: English / Hindi Phrases
News:

Magazines

Ganashakti
Offers news, analysis, and features.
www.ganashakti.com
Shilpa Bichitra
Offers articles, interviews, and bio-datas of noted corporate personalities.
www.shilpabichitra.com

Newspapers

Aajkaal
Bengali daily featuring news, sports, and cultural events.
www.aajkaal.net
Anandabazar Patrika
Offers news in Bengali.
www.anandabazar.com
Statesman, The
Daily publication from Calcutta.
www.thestatesman.net
Telegraph, The
Focuses on Eastern India.
www.telegraphindia.com

Calcutta MSGs AlphaRoster

A
Adair, Frank, Sgt. (71)
Airgood, Anthony (88-89)
Angelo, Robert, MSgt. (86-87) NCOIC

B
Baker, Clark, Sgt. (77-79)
Barger, Thomas, Sgt. (77-79)
Brey, Glenn, Cpl. (59-60)
Broderick, James M., Sgt. (79-80)
Brown, Michael, Cpl. (89-90)

C
Caton, Ralph W., Cpl (59-61)
Clendenin, Leonard, LCpl. (63)
Coley, T. C., Jr., LCpl. (73-74)
Cougall, Stan, Cpl. (76-77)
Cowan, Joseph, Cpl. (63-65)
Crane, Darius (91)
Cunningham, Cpl. (74-76)

D
Davis, Kim E., SSgt. (88-90) NCOIC
Delagarza, Armando, LCpl. (77-78)
Dukes, David, Sgt. (79-80)

E
Edmond, Sgt. (69-71)
English, Clyde (Bill), LCpl. (75-76)

Franklin, NFN, Sgt. (73-74)

G
Gates, Edward, Sgt. (88-89)
Gau, Donald, Sgt. (76-78)
Giles, Ronald H. (64-65) - Deceased 10APR99
Gillit, Jimmy W., Cpl. (79-80)
Goshey, Frank, Sgt. (62-64) - Deceased
Grandchamp, Don D., Sgt. (79-80)
Griffith, Gene, SSgt. (90-91) NCOIC

H
Haley, Allen, Sgt. (76-77)
Harkins, James K., GySgt. (74-76) NCOIC
Hefu, Sgt. (86-88)
Henderson, Jr., Al, Cpl. (74-76)
Henthorn, Cpl. (80-82)
Hinton, Sgt. (74-75)
Homan, Leroy (60-61)
Hott, Jack P., Cpl. (62-64)
Hough, John, Cpl. (89-90)
Howe, GySgt. (65-67) NCOIC

I
Ingham, Joel , Sgt. (90-91)

J
Johnson, R. B., Cpl. (84-86)
Jones, Jason, Cpl. (86-88)
Jordan, Dean (84-86)
Judkins, LCpl. (74-75)

K
Kates, Ronald, Cpl. (76-77)
Kennington, William H., SSgt. (80-81) NCOIC
Kleen, Sgt. (74-76)
Knight, William A., SSgt. (59-61)
Knutson, David, Sgt. (88-90)
Kulikoski, Walter G., SSgt. (61-62) NCOIC

L
Lewis, Robert R., Sgt. (80-82)

M
Mafnas, Jesse, Sgt. (89-90)
Mara, Cpl. (70-73)
McClain, Allan C., Sgt. (59-61)
McClure, William R., Cpl. (61-63)
Morel, Michael W., Sgt. (79-80)
Morris, Larry C., Cpl. (60-61)
Myers, Thomas, Sgt. (75-76)
Myers, Thomas, Sgt., (89-90)

N
Neff, Gaylord M. GySgt. (62) - NCOIC (Deceased)
Nieradzik, Sgt. (74-75)
Niskalla, William J., GySgt. (78-80) NCOIC
Nowlin, LCpl. (74-76)
Nugent, Paul J., SSgt. (91) NCOIC

O
Olsen, Dan, Sgt. (76-77)

P
Perry, David, Sgt. (86-88)
Pilarski, Brent, LCpl. (75-76)
Platzke, Hermann, SSgt. (76-78) NCOIC

R
Rivera, William, LCpl. (75-76)
Ross, Cpl. (72-73)

S
Sanchez, LCpl. (84-86)
Schenck, Kenneth M., Sgt. (62) NCOIC
Smith, Harry R., GySgt. (73-74) NOCIC - Deceased
Shelfer, LCpl. (72-73)
Stevens, James, Sgt. (90-91)
Stewart, Cpl. (74-76)
Stratton, Steven, LCpl. (74-75)
Stroud, Kenneth M., GySgt. (60-61) NCOIC
Stubbs, SSgt. (84-86)

T
Topper, Joseph, LCpl. (63-65)
Tyndal, Eric, LCpl. (75-76)

W
Weideman, Ralph, MSgt. (57-59) NCOIC
Wick, Larry, Sgt. (88-89)
Williams, Ricky, Sgt. (91)
Williams, Sgt. (74-76)
Williamson, Richard, Sgt. (77-78)
Wilson, Paul, SSgt. (63-65) NCOIC
Withers, Sgt. (74-76)

Foreign Service
Klistoff (Caton), Tania, Consul General's Secretary (59-62) - Passed 31OCT2010
Schwarz, Robert C., Foreign Service Staff (61-63) -Passed 30JUN2010

The names of current Detachment Members are not to be displayed without authorization from the Detachment Commander

Namaste former Calcutta MSGs, their families and visitors. The AmConGen Calcutta, India MSG Detachment was activated in 1952 and deactivated in 1991. Please scroll down the left column to view the Timeline information.

Our goal, with your help, to make this history as accurate and comprehensive as possible. We welcome any corrections and additions.

2011

2010

2009

2008

2007

Command change MSGBn / Company C to MCESG / Region 2.

2006

22AUG06 SECNAV Inst. 1650.1H MSG Ribbon award established retroactive to 22JAN49.

2005

2004

2003

2002

2001

The city name of Calcutta was officially changed to Kolkata in January, 2001

2000

1999

1998

1997

1996

1995

1994

1993

1992

1991

Consul General: Ron Lorton

Company Commander:
Detachment Commander: SSgt. Gene Griffith / SSgt. Paul J. Nugent
Watchstanders: Sgt. Darius Crane, Sgt. Joel Ingram, Sgt. James Stevens and Sgt. Ricky Williams.

Detachment Deactivated / Referencing the MSG Battalion Sgt. Major Paul J. Nugent's bio, he was assigned to deactivate the MSG detachment in Calcutta, India in 1991.

1990

Consul General: Ron Lorton

Company Commander:
Detachment Commander: SSgt. Kim E. Davis / Sgt. Tom Myers / SSgt.Gene Griffith
Watchstanders: Sgt. Joel Ingham, Sgt. Jesse Mafnas, Sgt. James Stevens, Cpl. Mike Brown and Cpl. John Hough.

Note: SSgt. Jesse Mafnas was MSG Detachment Commander at the U.S. Embassy in Baku, Azerbaijan in 2003.

1989

Consul General: Ron Lorton

Company Commander:
Detachment Commander: SSgt. Kim E. Davis
Watchstanders: Sgt. Ed Gates, Sgt. Dave Knutson, Sgt. Jesse Mafnas, Sgt. Tom Myers, Sgt. Larry Wick, Cpl. Mike Brown, Cpl. John Hough and Anthony Airgood.

1988

Consul General: Kenneth C. Brill

Company Commander:
Detachment Commander: MSgt. Robert Angelo / SSgt. Kim E. Davis
Watchstanders: Sgt. Edward Gates, Sgt. David Knutson, Sgt. David Perry, Sgt. Larry Wick, Cpl. Jason Jones and Anthony Airgood.

1987

Consul General: Kenneth C. Brill

Company Commander:
Detachment Commander: MSgt. Robert Angelo
Watchstanders: Sgt. Hefu, Sgt. David Perry, Cpl. Jason Jones

1986

Consul General: Kenneth C. Brill

Company Commander:
Detachment Commander: SSgt. Stubbs / MSgt. Robert Angelo
Watchstanders: Sgt. Hefu, Sgt. David Perry, Cpl. R. B. Johnson, Cpl. Jason Jones, Cpl. Sanchez and Dean Jordan.

NCOICs of MSG Detachments now titled MSG Detachment Commanders.

1985

Consul General:

Company Commander:
NCOIC: SSgt. Stubbs
Watchstanders: Cpl. R. B. Johnson, Cpl. Sanchez and Dean Jordan.

1984

Consul General:

Company Commander:
NCOIC: SSgt. Stubbs
Watchstanders: Cpl. R. B. Johnson, LCpl. Sanchez and Dean Jordan.

1983

Consul General:

Company Commander:
NCOIC:
Watchstanders:

1982

Consul General:

Company Commander:
NCOIC:
Watchstanders: Sgt. Robert R. Lewis and Cpl. Henthorn.

1981

Consul General:

Company Commander:
NCOIC: SSgt. William H. Kennington
Watchstanders: Sgt. Robert R. Lewis and Cpl. Henthorn.

1980

Consul General:

Company Commander:
NCOIC: GySgt. William J. Niskalla / SSgt. William H. Kennington
Watchstanders: Sgt. James M. Broderick, Sgt. David K. Dukes, Sgt. Don Grandchamp, Sgt. Robert R. Lewis, Sgt. Michael W. Morel, Cpl. Henthorn and LCpl. Jimmy Gillit.

1979

Consul General: Perkins

Company Commander:
NCOIC: GySgt. William J. Niskalla
Watchstanders: Sgt. Tom Barger, Sgt. James M. Broderick, Sgt. David K. Dukes, Sgt. Don Grandchamp, Sgt. Michael W. Morel and LCpl. Jimmy Gillit.

The first Women Marines were accepted for Marine Security Guard training and assignment.

1978

Consul General: Perkins

Company Commander:
NCOIC: SSgt. Hermann Platzke / GySgt. William J. Niskalla
Watchstanders: Sgt. Clark Baker, Sgt. Tom Barger, Sgt. Richard Williamson, LCpl. Armando Delagarza and LCpl. Ron Kates

1977

Consul General: Perkins

Company Commander:
NCOIC: SSgt. Hermann Platzke A/: Sgt. Donald Gau
Watchstanders: Sgt. Clark Baker, Sgt. Tim Barger, Sgt. Dan Olsen, Sgt. Richard Williamson, Cpl. Stan Cougall, Cpl. Allen Haley, Cpl. Ron Kates and LCpl. Armando Delagarza.

Indira Gandhi defeated by Moraji Desai, who headed the Janata Party

1976

Consul General: Korn

Company Commander:
NCOIC: GySgt. James K. Harkins / SSgt. Hermann Platzke
Watchstanders: Sgt. Don Gau, Sgt. Kleen, Sgt. Tom Myers, Sgt. Dan Olsen, Sgt. Williams, Cpl. Stan Cougall, Cpl. Cunningham, Cpl. Clyde (Bill) English, Cpl. Al Henderson, Cpl. Ron Kates, Cpl. Stewart, Cpl. Eric Tyndal, Cpl. Withers, LCpl. Allen Haley, LCpl. Nowlin, LCpl.Brent Pilarski and LCpl. William Rivera.

1975

Consul General: Korn

Company Commander:
NCOIC: GySgt. James K. Harkins
Watchstanders: Sgt. Hinton, Sgt. Kleen, Sgt. Tom Myers, Sgt. Nieradzik, Sgt. Williams, Sgt. Withers, Cpl. Cunningham, Cpl. Al Henderson Jr., Cpl. Stewart, LCpl. Clyde (Bill) English, LCpl. Judkins, LCpl. Nowlin, LCpl. Brent Pilarski, LCpl. William Rivera, LCpl. Steve Stratton and LCpl. Eric Tyndal.

1974

Consul General: Korn

Company Commander:
NCOIC: GySgt. Harry R. Smith / GySgt. James K. Harkins
Watchstanders: LCpl. T. C. Coley, Jr., Cpl. (NFN) Franklin, Sgt. Hinton, Sgt. Kleen, Sgt. Nieradzik, Sgt. Williams, Sgt. Withers, Cpl. Cunningham, Cpl. Al Henderson Jr., Cpl. Stewart, LCpl. Clyde (Bill) English, LCpl. Judkins, LCpl. Nowlin, LCpl. Steve Stratton and LCpl. Eric Tyndal.

Construction of a new AmConGen building necessitated an increase in the MSG detachment to provide security for both buildings during the transition phase.

1973

Consul General: Thomas Pickering

Company Commander:
NCOIC: GySgt. Harry R. Smith
Watchstanders: LCpl. T. C. Coley, Jr., Cpl. (NFN) Franklin, Cpl. Ross and LCpl. Shelfer

1972

Consul General:

Company Commander:
NCOIC:
Watchstanders: Cpl. Mara, Cpl. Ross and LCpl. Shelfer

1971

Consul General:

Company Commander:
NCOIC:
Watchstanders: Sgt. Frank Adair, Sgt. Edmond and Cpl. Mara

Command change Fox Co., HQMC / RMO Region 2 to MSGBn / Company B.

A war between the India & Pakistan resulted in East Pakistan becoming the separate nation of Bangladesh
Indo Pakistan War

1970

Consul General:

Regional Marine Officer (RMO):
NCOIC:
Watchstanders: Sgt. Edmond, Cpl. Mara

1969

Consul General: Richard T. Davies

Regional Marine Officer (RMO):
NCOIC:
Watchstanders: Sgt. Edmond

1968

Consul General:

Regional Marine Officer (RMO):
NCOIC:
Watchstanders:

1967

Consul General:

Regional Marine Officer (RMO):
NCOIC: GySgt. Howe
Watchstanders:

Indira Gandhi. Re-elected Prime Minister

1966

Consul General:

Regional Marine Officer (RMO):
NCOIC: GySgt. Howe
Watchstanders:

Lal Bahadur Shastri died in 1966 after only 20 months in power, and he was succeeded by Jawaharlal Nehru's daughter, Indira Gandhi.

1965

Consul General:

Regional Marine Officer (RMO):
NCOIC: GySgt. Howe
Watchstanders: Ronald H. Giles (deceased)

Indo-Pakistan War

1964

Consul General: William O. Baxter (Died 1994 - Washington Post Article 4/19/94)

Regional Marine Officer (RMO): Coody
Administrative Officer: John D. Gough
NCOIC: SSgt. Paul Wilson (from Vientiane, Laos then Tehran, Iran after Calcutta)
Watchstanders: Sgt. Frank Goshey (deceased), Cpl. Joe Cowan (from Africa), Cpl. Jack Hott, LCpl. Joe Topper (from Djakarta, Indonesia) and Ronald H. Giles (deceased).

Mid JAN64 - Rioting between Hindus and Muslims erupted in Calcutta and other areas of Bengal generated by "incidents" in East Pakistan (now called Bangladesh) and West Bengal. Shops, restaurants, etc. closed at times. Military curfews were imposed.

1963

Consul General: William O. Baxter
DCM: Alfred L. Atherton Jr.

Regional Marine Officer (RMO): Major Arthur Mooney
Assistant RMO: Captain Malcolm V. Fites (LTC ret., passed 2005)
Administrative Officer: John D. Gough
NCOIC: Sgt. Kenneth M. Schenck (from Amman, Jordan) / SSgt. Paul Wilson (from Vientiane, Laos to Tehran, Iran after Calcutta)
Watchstanders: Sgt. Frank Goshey (deceased), Cpl. Jack Hott, Cpl. Larry C. Morris (from Havana), Cpl. William (Bill) McClure and LCpl. Leonard M. Clendenin

25FEB63 - As a result of the agreement to provide arms to India to address the Chinese border threat, authorization was granted for MSGs to wear uniforms on watch. Calcutta, however, remained an unarmed MSG detachment.

22NOV63 - President John F. Kennedy assassinated in Dallas, Texas. On 23NOV a Book of Condolence was presented in the Consulate Lobby with one MSG in dress blues attending the book. Long lines of mourners formed to sign until 26NOV. A memorial service was held on 25NOV in the back yard of Consul General William O. Baxter's residence with Consular Corps Officials from Calcutta, State of Bengal Officials, Consulate, USIS Staff and other Americans in attendance.

Our Foreign Service Brother Robert (Bob) C. Schwarz who served with us in Calcutta (61-63) passed 30JUN2010 - Lest We Forget.

1962

Consul General: William O. Baxter DCM: Bruce Buttles

Regional Marine Officer (RMO): Major Arthur Mooney
Assistant RMO: Captain Malcolm V. Fites (LTC ret., passed 2005)
Administrative Officer: John D. Gough
NCOIC: GySgt. Gaylord M. Neff (deceased) / Sgt. Kenneth M. Schenck (from Amman, Jordan)
Watchstanders: Cpl. Frank Goshey (deceased), Cpl. Jack Hott, Cpl. Larry C. Morris and LCpl. William (Bill) McClure

18MAY62 - The Communist Party of India (CPI) demonstrated near the front entrance of the consulate compound. The MSG detachment responded prepared to meet their mission requirements. The USIS Staff closed their building at 7, Chowringhee Road.

11JUL62 - Another demonstration by the CPI, all Marines present and again, USIS closed their facility in the interest of safety.

2NOV62 - U.S. arms arrived at Calcutta's Dum Dum Airport to support India in its border conflict with China. MSG Cpl. Larry C. Morris was assigned as an aide to then Ambassador to India John Kenneth Galbraith at Dum Dum Airport prior to Larry's return CONUS.

NOTE: Larry Morris served at the U.S. Embassy Havana, Cuba prior to Calcutta and was one of the three Marines (Sgt. Jim Tracy, Cpl. Mike East and LCpl. Larry Morris) who lowered the U.S. flag at the U.S. Embassy in Havana when diplomatic relations were ended.

NOTE: Both Corporals Goshey and Hott graduated from MSG School at Henderson Hall in 1961. The graduation ceremony was held at the Department of State. Then Secretary of State Dean Rusk offered remarks and he presented diplomas to each graduate, supported by Marine General Larson.

1961

Consul General: Gordon H. Mattison
DCM: Bruce Buttles

Regional Marine Officer (RMO): Major Arthur Mooney
Assistant RMO: Captain Malcolm V. Fites (LTC ret., passed 2005)
Administrative Officer: Daniel Williamson
NCOIC: GySgt. Kenneth M. Stroud / SSgt. Walter G. Kulikoski
Watchstanders: SSgt. William "Bill" Knight, Sgt. Allan McClain, Cpl. Ralph Caton, LCpl. Larry C. Morris (from Havana) and LCpl. William (Bill) McClure.

New Staff Compound Housing completed at 241/2 Lower Circular Road Marines assigned to Apartments #5 and #6 on the second floor.

1960

Consul General: Gordon H. Mattison
DCM: Bruce Buttles

Regional Marine Officer (RMO): LTC Matthews
Assistant. RMO: Captain Malcolm V. Fites (LTC ret., passed 2005)
Administrative Officer: Daniel Williamson
NCOIC: MSgt. Ralph Wiedeman / GySgt. Kenneth M. Stroud
Watchstanders: SSgt. William Knight, Sgt. Allan McClain, Cpl. Ralph Caton, Cpl. Glenn Brey and Leroy Homan.

SSgt. William (Bill) Knight was reassigned in 1961 as NCOIC of the Madras, India MSG Detachment. See our Madras album.

Marine House located on the second floor of an old mansion about one block away from the consulate at 5/1 Harington Street.
In 1960 India had four U.S. diplomatic missions with MSG detachments. The Embassy in New Delhi and the three Consulates General in Bombay (now called Mumbai), Madras (now called Chennai) and Calcutta (now called Kolkata).
All posts were civilian clothes with unarmed MSG detachments.
Calcutta was staffed by one NCOIC and four watchstanders.
Only the New Delhi detachment survives today, however, a new MSG Detachment will be activated at the AmConGen Mumbai (formerly Bombay), India in 2009.

1959

Consul General: George H. Mattison

Regional Marine Officer (RMO): LTC Matthews
NCOIC: MSgt. Ralph Weideman
Watchstanders: SSgt. William "Bill" A. Knight, Sgt. Allan McClain, Cpl. Ralph W. Caton, Cpl. Glenn Brey and Leroy Homan.

1958

Consul General:

Regonal Marine Officer (RMO):
NCOIC: MSgt. Ralph Weideman
Watchstanders:

1957

Consul General:

Regional Marine Officer (RMO):
NCOIC: MSgt. Ralph Weideman
Watchstanders:

1956

Consul General:

Regional Marine Officer (RMO):
NCOIC:
Watchstanders:

Due to worldwide political unrest Regional Marine Office II was relocated from Cairo to Beirut in 1956.

1955

Consul General:

Regional Marine Officer (RMO):
NCOIC:
Watchstanders:

1954

Consul General:

Regional Marine Officer (RMO):
NCOIC:
Watchstanders:

The first formal Marine Security Guard Training Program was implemented in November, 1954.

Command change HQBn, HQMC / RMO Region 2 to Fox Co., HQMC / RMO Region 2.

1953

Consul General:

Regional Marine Officer (RMO):
NCOIC:
Watchstanders:

1952

Consul: Nicholas Gilman Thatcher

Regional Marine Officer (RMO):
NCOIC:
Watchstanders:

Probable first AmConGen Calcutta MSG Detachment activation occurred in 1952.

By the end of 1952 there were 800 MSGs in the program serving in U.S. Diplomatic Missions worldwide.

1951

Consul General:

Regional Marine Officer (RMO):
NCOIC:
Watchstanders:

NCOICs now permitted to be married and have their families accompany them on post.

1950

Consul General:

Regional Marine Officer (RMO):
NCOIC:
Watchstanders:

1949

Consul General: Richard T. Davies

Regional Marine Officer (Region II): Although the MSG Program was initiated in 1949, my research has not established when the first MSG Detachment was activated at the AmConGen in Calcutta, India. Based on the AmConGen Madras MSG Detachment known activation date of 1952, I believe that is an accurate benchmark for both Calcutta and Bombay. The Embassy in New Delhi, however, would have had an MSG Detachment prior to the AmConGens.

In 1949, Marine Security Guards began to be assigned to U.S. Diplomatic Missions worldwide. The first two MSG Detachments, consisting of six Marine Security Guards were assigned to the U.S. Embassy, Bangkok, Thailand and nine Marine Security Guards were assigned to the U.S. Embassy Tangiers, Morocco.

MSGs who successfully complete 24 months in the MSG Program are retroactively eligible for the MSG Ribbon (SECNAV Inst. 1650.1H dtd 22AUG06).

1948

Consul General:

Regional Marine Officer (Region II): The Marine Security Guard Program was established in 1948 but not implemented until 1949.

In 1948, the U.S. Department of State (DOS) and the United States Marine Corps (USMC) initiated a Memorandum of Agreement whereby the Marine Corps would supply active duty personnel to protect classified materials, American lives and property in U.S. diplomatic missions worldwide. These USMC personnel, to be designated as Marine Security Guards, would report directly to a DOS Foreign Service Officer at each mission. Command structure was HQBn, HQMC / RMO Region 2. A Regional Marine Officer (RMO) would be responsible for several posts within each of the then four designated RMO regions.

In 1948, on the eve of independence from the British Raj, Gandhi was assassinated by a Hindu fanatic. Jawaharlal Nehru, also a leader in India's independence movement, guided the young nation through a period of peace that was contrasted by the rule of Lal Bahadur Shastri, who fought Pakistan after it invaded two regions of India. Shastri died in1966 after only 20 months in power, and he was succeeded by Nehru's daughter, Indira Gandhi.

1947

Consul: Elbert G. Mathews

The AmConGen Calcutta, India is the second oldest American Consulate and dates from 19NOV1792.

In 1947 the colonial British Raj ended and India was granted independence and British Commwealth status. No agreement could be reached between the Muslims (headed by Mohammed Ali Jinnah) and the Hindus (headed by the father of India Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru) on the composition of a common government so the Muslims split away from India in the regions with a majority Muslim population forming West (Karachi) and East Pakistan (Dacca).

William H. Michael was Consul General in Calcutta from 1905-1912.