Office of the Historian

501.BC Kashmir/9–1948: Telegram

The Chargé in India (Donovan) to the Secretary of State

secret   us urgent
niact
New Delhi, September 19, 1948—noon.

860. Deptel 564, September 18.1 In accordance Department’s instructions Embassy will of course reiterate US request that GOI give definite indication intention include UN participation early Hyderabad plebiscite and will point out such action would have favorable effect international attitude towards India. Embassy strongly doubts, however, such representations will be effective and if too strongly pressed may cause definite unfavorable reaction US. GOI elated at successful termination military activities and considers Hyderabad problem finally solved.

In this connection Embassy strongly believes any “association” Hyderabad and India other than accession Hyderabad on terms accession agreement other states would not constitute solution problem but would give continuance unsatisfactory conditions which have existed from August 15, 1947 to present. Situation in India has radically changed during past year as GOI has implemented its policy that full integration of states, for all practical purposes, with Indian union is only method by which strong and stable political unit Indian continent could be achieved.

Embassy feels, although it has no definite evidence in support its conclusion, that whole military campaign and consequent capitulation Nizam was to certain degree prearranged plan between Nizam and El-Edroos on one hand and GOI officials on other. Nizam, interested only in future himself and dynasty and almost helpless vis-à-vis Razarkar extremists, decided there should be no effective opposition to Indian Army by Hyderabad state troops. Razarkars notably oppose organized force. With Indian Army in control, Nizam can now effectively disband Razarkars and come to terms with GOI which under states ministerial policy of benevolence to Indian princes should not be too difficult.

I shall see Menon first opportunity.

Sent Department 860, Department pass London; USGADel, Paris.

Donovan
  1. Telegram 564 to India was a copy of telegram Gadel 20, supra.↩