745.45F/12–3047: Telegram
The Acting Secretary of State to the United States Representative at the United, Nations (Austin)
1. Allen of Brit Emb called at Dept at noon yesterday to discuss late developments in Kashmir situation. Among other things he said FonOff had sent instructions that US be informed of immediate action Cadogan1 had been instructed to take in event India files appeal to SC [Page 267] against Pakistan. As soon as Cadogan knows of actual filing of such an appeal by India, he is to take steps to assure that SC considers matter as soon as possible (retel 6668 from London, Dec, 30 Par. 122) (Allen has today told us that UKDel in New York has already made an informal approach to UN Secretariat on intermediate level to assure early consideration of case).
Allen then said his Govt was inviting attention of US to possibility of taking similar steps and that Cadogan had been apprised of this also.
Dept. informed Allen later in day that while US agrees Indian appeal should be heard as expeditiously as possible, we believe this can be accomplished by informal methods rather than by any formal approach such as a letter to Sec. Gen. or SC President. We observed further that since Belgian is now SC President, it should be possible to approach him informally and accomplish the desired result with no difficulty.
Dept does not believe it desirable or wise at outset of this case to make political issue of time or speed with which SC should deal with matter. We are, however, willing to support informal methods of obtaining immediate SC consideration of the case. We recognize that after SC commences such consideration Pakistan may desire stay in proceedings pending completion of preparation of case or arrival of additional personnel. In such an eventuality we believe SC should adhere to well-established practice of permitting parties reasonable period of time to make such arrangements as are clearly necessary for a proper handling of the case.
Sent New York, repeated to London, New Delhi and Karachi.
- Sir Alexander Cadogan, United Kingdom Permanent Representative on the United Nations Security Council.↩
- Foreign Relations, 1947, vol. iii, p. 188.↩