Office of the Historian

501.BC/9–1648: Telegram

The Secretary of State to the United States Delegation at the United Nations General Assembly, at Paris1

secret   us urgent
niact
Washington, September 18, 1948—2 p. m.

Gadel 20. Hyderabad case:

1.
From reports Nizam has ordered his forces cease resistance and has announced intention Hyderabad withdraw its complaint SC it would appear that GOI will be able to present SC and world on Sept 20 with fait accompli. Re Delga 52 Sept 16 we assume problem SC cease fire order no longer exists.
2.
Presumably Nizam already engaged in negotiations with GOI re future internal government Hyderabad and its relationship with GOI.
3.
We may therefore anticipate that on Sept 20 Hyderabad and GOI reps will inform SC foregoing developments and request removal Hyderabad complaint from agenda.
4.
We feel that dropping item from agenda (without further consideration) would create dangerous precedent by encouraging use of force by aggressive states to induce favorable negotiations on recalcitrant states. Attempt Iran in 1946 remove its case from SC agenda pertinent here.
5.
Therefore suggest that your action be along following lines:
a.
Discourage presentation formal motion for dropping item from agenda this time.
b.
Suggest to Cadogan that following statements both parties he make statement to effect that in view resumption negotiations he believes that prior any consideration by SC their request for dropping item from agenda both parties should inform SC outcome their current negotiations.
c.
If statement by President along above lines insufficient and matter comes to vote, you should vote against immediate dropping item from agenda and favor motion taking note statements made and requesting parties advise Council outcome current negotiations.
6.
Emb Delhi requested reiterate US view that, whatever outcome SC consideration Monday, if possible for GOI give definite indication intention include UN participation in early Hyderabad plebiscite, such action would have strong salutary international repercussions and would create favorable climate UN. UN participation might take form of UN group assisting and advising in plans for plebiscite and observing and reporting on conduct and results thereof. Suggest GADel take similar line with GOI rep Paris.
7.
Re Menon’s resentment trend US policy (Delhi’s tel 849) Dept believes it important Emb Delhi have early frank discussion with him along lines (a) US suggestions resulted from definite urgent request Indian Amb; (b) US has consistently been in sympathy with ultimate GOI objectives Hyderabad; (c) re his concern over applicability any UN role Hyderabad to states which have acceded GOI you should reiterate our views set forth Para 2 Deptel 551.

Marshall
  1. This cable was repeated to the American Embassies in India, Pakistan, and the United Kingdom as telegrams 564, 359, and 3691 respectively.↩