501.BC Kashmir/9–2048: Telegram
The Chargé in India (Donovan) to the Secretary of State
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864. Deptel 564, September 18.1 I saw Bajpai this morning. He had just received from Indian Ambassador Washington similar information to that contained paragraph 6 Deptel 564.
Bajpai said it was too early as yet for GOI to give answer regarding form which plebiscite might take or as to what GOI felt UN participation should be. He said GOI had been out of touch with Hyderabad for some months and that Munshi2 and General Rajendra Sinhji would arrive Delhi evening September 22 to report on affairs in Hyderabad and that until GOI had firsthand information re conditions Hyderabad nothing could be said re paragraph 6 Deptel 564.
Bajpai said GOI hoped military administration would not last more than two weeks but that again it was impossible give definite answer this question until extent of guerilla activities in which Razarkars might engage could be ascertained.
He said plebiscite might be held on basis adult suffrage or by election to legislative body but emphasized none of these questions could be answered now.
He said GOI must take into account public opinion in India which is incensed over atrocities Razarkars; for example, Socialists are urging Nizam be deposed while other groups are urging immediate setting up of congress government in Hyderabad. Bajpai said task of GOI in dealing with foregoing groups would not be made easier if impression was obtained in India that pressure was being put on India from Outside with respect to dealing with Hyderabad. By this I am sure he meant too much debate on the subject at UN especially at this time. Embassy believes that extended discussion of Hyderabad question at Paris at this time will not make GOI position easier vis-à-vis public opinion in India.
I emphasized that interest of US Hyderabad question sprang only from US position as outlined paragraph 2 Deptel 551, September 14 and repeated that US had at all times carefully avoided encouraging aspirations of states such as Hyderabad and Travancore. Bajpai again said he appreciated friendly spirit of US approach and said he had discussed question with Prime Minister and that his remarks to me today should be considered as Prime Minister’s as well as his own.
[Page 399]Re Razarkar atrocities Bucher telephoned me today to say that American missionaries in Bidar Hyderabad state had some harrowing stories to tell. Bucher said he had sent two American press correspondents to Bidar to obtain story. Embassy will endeavor get in touch these missionaries soonest for factual account. Bucher said no Americans injured these incidents of which apparently Americans
V. P. Menon is in Hyderabad and I shall see him upon his return.
Embsassy has heard of no disturbances in India and Indian press were spectators only.
and radio have been advised by GOI, according Bajpai play down one communal incident reported in Pakistan.
Sent Department 864; Department pass London, Paris for USGADel.