501.BC/4–1748: Telegram
The Ambassador in Pakistan (Alling) to the Secretary of State
225. Prime Minister asked me call today discuss Kashmir. Since I had not received text Chinese resolution (Deptel 132, April 101) and since Prime Minister’s version was telegraphed from New York and somewhat garbled we lacked authoritative text. However, Prime Minister was definite that resolution was unacceptable GOP. He said it showed complete lack understanding Oriental psychology, that as long as Abdullah remained in charge Kashmir Government populace would not dare risk voting against him since they would consider he would remain in power wreak vengeance on them. This plus presence Indian troops made impartial plebiscite impossible.
I pointed out that presence new Ministers Abdullah Government presence SC commission and possibility Pakistan troops being invited help maintain order Kashmir gave reasonable guarantees fair vote. [Page 336] He replied this might appear be case to western mind but it would not impress Kashmiris who were to be asked lay down their arms. He was certain they would refuse stop fighting on such flimsy guarantees, particularly since they now felt they had military advantage which they would not give up for “vague promises”. I asked what sort settlement he considered would be acceptable GOP and Kashmiris within framework Chinese resolution. He replied (1) definite statement in resolution that Pakistan forces were to be invited help maintain order not vague procedure outlined point 4 Deptel 132 April 10 and (2) that government to have representation Kashmir Cabinet equal that Abdullah with neutral outside administrator head of coalition. I pointed out that this was not far different from what I understood revised draft resolution provided since plebiscite administrator had broad powers. He replied if SC really intended such solution let resolution clearly show intention. I urged that confidence be placed fair intentions SC commission. He was willing do so, he said, if the instructions were clear and unequivocal on two points mentioned above.
Finally he pointed out that GOP had been extremely patient Kashmir case. It was only with greatest difficulty he had been able induce members Constituent Assembly refrain from raising issue at recent session. In contrast he claimed India had made Kashmir public political issue which he considered improper when case was sub judice before UN.
Sent Department 225, London 17, Delhi 33.