501.BC Kashmir/8–1648: Telegram
The United States Representative on the United Nations Commission for India and Pakistan (Huddle) to the Secretary of State
702. Comkas 21. Proposals for cease-fire agreement1 transmitted Embtel 7012 were presented simultaneously governments India and Pakistan Saturday 6 p. m. American delegation accompanied party Delhi and reports that when Prime Minister read document he stated it would obviously require considerable study and reference his government as well as consultation with Sheikh Abdullah.
American delegation not yet informed of reaction Karachi.
American delegation is not sanguine that proposals will elicit favorable response either government but even if accepted only as basis mutual conversations between [governments] together with Commission result would not be considered entirely unsatisfactory.
Must frankly be stated Commission has received no expression sympathy with agreement principle from either Indian or Pakistan officials collectively or individually or any indication there might be possibility for mutual agreement two governments on Kashmir question. American delegations feeling is that position both governments thus far is precisely same as when they presented their views to SC except that advance Pakistan troops into Kashmir territory may have lessened chances agreement unless they are promptly withdrawn. Majority commission appeared convinced request for simple cease-fire agreement with no conditions would be rejected. Consequently attempt was made to present conditional proposals which might just possibly meet with not too unfavorable reaction both governments. [Page 365] Result is document which probably will need considerable clarification and which Indian and Pakistan officials will accept if they consider it at all only as basis for debate in which old arguments will be repeated. At this writing, impossible speculate with any certainty on outcome much less make prediction, though American delegation view not hopeful.
During Commission’s 5-week stay Delhi and Karachi position between two governments has not noticeably improved. Inflammatory speeches by Nehru in spite of Commission’s request for cooperation worsened matters and in this respect Pakistan maintained correct attitude except for remarks several obscure officials. Press both countries continues play up hostilities but reports exaggerated present time since action reduced to minimum by adverse weather conditions. Rumors of strained relations circulate among observers situation, one of which concerns possibility India severing diplomatic relations with Pakistan unless Pakistan troops withdrawn to Pakistan territory. Another rumor heard by American delegation after return to Delhi says India only awaiting departure of UN Commission before launching all-out blitz attack upon Hyderabad expecting Pakistan at same time attempt big offensive Kashmir. This latter rumor seems extremely improbable and is reported only because source who informed American delegation is well informed and has hitherto proved reliable.
It is of interest to report that on Friday just before departure Commission group from Karachi to New Delhi, Zafrullah Khan demanded hearing before Commission. After some quibbling in which he said he could not be prepared until some time next week, he agreed appear late Friday afternoon, when he made what he termed exposé to Commission of subjects on which he felt Pakistan’s and his point of view had not been sufficiently explored by Commission before its decision which he “understood had been arrived at and was about to be presented”. Zafrullah’s attitude toward Commission has been patronizing and approaching arrogance and he has tended to endeavor to assume position of superiority.
On this occasion he endeavored put Commission in a false position, his purpose evidently being to establish grounds in case he felt reaction Commission’s proposals necessary. American delegation was not favorably impressed by his conduct and instead of improving he prejudiced his personal standing. However there is little to choose between Nehru and Aptel on one side and Johhan (who was not seen by Commission) and Zafrullah Khan on the other. Competent circles here and in Karachi continue to believe that Kashmir problem is dispute between individuals highly placed rather than between peoples of India and Pakistan.
- The resolution Incorporating these proposals was adopted by the Commission on August 13 and released by the Security Council as document S/995. For text, see SC, 3rd yr., Suppl. for Nov. 1948, pp. 32–34. The text of correspondence on this resolution between the Commission and the Governments of India and Pakistan follows the resolution, pp. 34–49, 129–138. Notes of meetings held by the Commission with the Indian Prime Minister and the Pakistani Minister for Foreign Affairs concerning the resolution are printed in the same source, pp. 94–107.↩
- Telegram 701, August 15, not printed.↩