(2 of 2)
Menon is a leader of the U.N. at tack on "imperialism," but the mere hint of self-determination for the disputed northern Indian province of Kashmir, which is claimed by Pakistan, brings forth a geyser of indignant oratory. In January 1957 he defended India's right to Kashmir with the longest speech in U.N. history—7 hr. 48 min. Blithely Menon also ignores Russia's satellite colonialism. Questioned about East Germany's fetters, he answered: "Self-determination can't be applied in such a way as to be impractical." Indian critics say that in his post as Defense Minister, Menon has promoted left-wing favorites in the army over independent officers, thus making large sections of the military loyal to him personally.
He is one of the most disliked lead ers in India, but there are several reasons why Nehru values him highly. They are old friends, and have been ever since Menon's 22-year self-exile in Britain. Son of a middle-class law yer, Menon took degrees at the London School of Economics, also became a barrister. In 1935, when Nehru visited England, Menon went all out to build him up as Gandhi's successor. He arranged annual Nehru birthday celebrations, set up speaking engagements in England, got Nehru's first books published.
Nehru finds Menon witty, intelligent, provocative. Besides, he serves as a kind of lightning rod for other left-wing Indian intellectuals who might harass (and bore) Nehru far more if it were not for Menon's position close to the Prime Minister. Involved in a close race in the last general election in 1957, Menon expects another tight contest against the widely respected coalition candidate, Acharya J. B. Kripalani next February. The "conquest" of Goa probably gives Menon the edge he needs to carry his North Bombay constituency handily.