745.45F/1–248: Telegram
The Chargé in India ( Donovan ) to the Secretary of State
1. Embtel 1162, December 30 [29].1 General Bucher Commander-in-Chief Indian Army told me last night no steps had been taken to prepare Indian Army for offensive action against GOP. He said one month necessary for such steps and he had informed Nehru that he (Bucher) would not hesitate inform HMG that all British officers should be transferred from active operational duties to advisory capacities if war seemed imminent.
[Page 268]I inquired re possibility GOI troops in Kashmir entering Pakistan inadvertently. Bucher said this was highly improbable since troops must stay on highways and boundary was clearly defined.
Bucher thinks most dangerous factor is tribesmen in West Punjab who might attempt a raid into East Punjab; he considers Sikhs in East Punjab as possible disturbing factor.
He said Cunningham Governor NWFP had told him NWFP Government could not restrain tribesmen from entering and crossing NWFP.
I feel more optimistic re general situation in light this conversation.
Sent Department, repeated Karachi as 1. Department please repeat London as Delhi’s 1.