501.BC/1–2148: Telegram
The United States Representative at the United Nations (Austin) to the Secretary of State
76. From Thurston.
- 1.
- Noel-Baker (UK) told me last night that Indian attitude re conditions of plebiscite Kashmir had hardened considerably and asked whether the American Embassy, New Delhi, could “soften up” the Indians on this point. He added that UK High Commission until now also engaged in that process.
- 2.
- Based on conversations January 20 and 21 with Mohamed Ali
(Pakistan) and Abdullah and Ayyangar (India), present Indian
position is as follows:
- a.
- Now that UN commission being established, there is very little else to do except await outcome its investigation Kashmir situation which it hopes will lead to withdrawal tribes from Kashmir.
- b.
- India still admits commitment for Kashmir plebiscite but insists that it cannot be held until hostilities stop; popular constituent assembly elected, constitution drafted and popular government elected. At that stage, plebiscite might be held with UN observers invited to watch proceedings. It is contemplated Indian and Kashmir state troops could maintain law and order during this period.
- 3.
- Ayyangar (India) outlined plan given above under 2 (b) at some length to Ambassador Austin in conversation January 21. By asking pertinent questions re possibility such plan creating atmosphere for a fair and impartial plebiscite, Ambassador Austin clearly conveyed US doubt that Indian plan could lead to peaceful solution Kashmir problem.
- 4.
- I understand Indians and Pakistans meeting again afternoon January 21 under chairmanship Langenhove (Belgium) but it appears extremely doubtful, view wide divergence positions on plebiscite, any agreement will be reached.
- 5.
- In the meantime, Nisot (Belgium)1 has
informed US Mission of receipt by SYG (UN) of following letter from Zafrullah Khan
(Pakistan):2
“I beg to request that a meeting of the SC may be called at as early a date as possible to consider the situation other than the Jammu and Kashmir situation set out in my letter dated January 3, 1948, addressed to the SYG. These situations have led to a very acute crisis with India and Pakistan, more particularly the continued occupation which the armed forces of India of the State of Junagadh, which is part of Pakistan, and the persecution and spoliation of its Muslim population, constituting a casus belli, and may necessitate necessary action on the part of Pakistan unless urgent action is taken by the SC.”
- 6.
- Above communication probably represents Pakistan counter-offensive against stiffened Indian attitude re plebiscite.
- 7.
- Nisot states Langenhove (Belgium) will call SC in session afternoon January 22 to discuss new Pakistan letter and presumably make report on mediation effort. In event SC debate following upon preceding report would appreciate views Department as to whether Ambassador Austin should make statement regarding US position on conditions surrounding plebiscite, also whether US should make any special effort towards concentration SC attention this time on Kashmir dispute in view Pakistan action re Junagadh.
- 8.
- Memorandum covering above conversations will be transmitted Department today.3 [Thurston.]