501.BC Kashmir/8–1048: Telegram
The United States Representative on the United Nations Commission for India and Pakistan (Huddle) to the Secretary of State
404. Comkas 18. At end first week Karachi Commission endeavoring draft cease-fire proposal acceptable to both India and Pakistan for [Page 363] simultaneous presentation both governments. Proposal would be designed effect truce while Commission attempted persuade contending parties agree long range settlement.
Appearing before Commission fourth Zafrullah Khan concentrated effort demonstrate illegality Kashmir accession India. He contrasted GOI refusal accept even provisionally accession Junagadh to Pakistan and emphasized principle now accepted at India’s insistence that rulers decision can be considered binding only if in accord popular will. Zafrullah attributed failure GOP inform SC presence Pakistan troops Kashmir to anticipated imminent arrival Commission. He left for answer by Pakistan military representatives scheduled appear Commission ninth questions on relations GOP with Azad forces and extent assistance rendered by GOP to Azad and tribal elements.
Commission’s military observers arrived Karachi fifth from Kashmir reporting weather seriously impeding military operations all fronts with Indians contemplating no immediate offensive and conducting patrols largely for morale purposes. During seven day tour mission encountered no fire from Pakistan side although artillery shelling reported by Indians one night. Morale and efficiency Indian forces appeared high. Team expected leave for inspection Pakistan side front about eleventh.
Commission contemplates obtaining views Azad Kashmir representatives informally either in Karachi or through military team when in area next week. Azad’s aspirations and activities complicates situation considerably and Commission particularly desirous learn their attitude toward cease-fire.
Commission members anxious begin consideration final settlement and on third US representative introduced working paper suggesting for tentative consideration if overall plebiscite impracticable three other possible solutions (1) definitive and final partition, (2) partition except for plebiscite in Vale, and (3) partition with self-governing status for Vale under joint protection India Pakistan. Members appear inclined toward partition as most practicable solution. Czechoslovakia opposes plebiscite arguing that those held among more politically conscious Europeans had doubtful results and would be more impracticable here. Belgian suggests possibilities independence and joint protectorate be canvassed. All representatives stress present thinking highly tentative.
Press both Pakistan India published this week Lahore despatch quoting Civil and Military Gazette that city to effect GOP had officially informed Commission presence Pakistan troops Kashmir. Zafrullah informs GOP not responsible for Lahore story. Publicity given London this week to presence large number British officers in armies two dominions was fully repeated India Pakistan. Publication [Page 364] these two stories has not materially affected Commission’s viewpoint since Commission has known both conditions but Commission’s endeavors stimulated to formulate cease-fire terms acceptable to contending parties and consensus is that Commission must in some manner publicly recognize fact of Pakistan invasion Kashmiri territory.
Commission hoping complete conversations Karachi around fourteenth and proceed Srinagar via Delhi.