845.00/9–2448: Telegram
The Chargé in India (Donovan) to the Secretary of State
873. Reports from Hyderabad show complete control by Indian forces who are now conducting minor mopping up operations. Reports are that some Razakars have gone underground with arms and ammunition, but any overt action has been met with immediate and overwhelming police action. Despatches confirmed by Hyderabad Military Governor (Statesman September 23) from Bezwada report arson and looting by Communists, but apparently principal disorders come from roving bands Razakars.
Embtel 872, September 241 reports Nizam’s radio broadcast on September 23 declaring he was victim of Razakars and calling people of Hyderabad to give Military Governor fullest support in restoring peace. Report with Paris dateline of September 23, states Nizam cabled UN direct withdrawing Hyderabad complaint against India.2
Local press reports that speaker Indian Parliament urged at public address Madras September 21, that Hyderabad be divided into three areas on linguistic basis and merged into adjoining provinces. This address only one example of pressure on GOI from responsible people for dismemberment Hyderabad (Embtel 865, September 20). Division now would lead to boundless administrative confusion, bitter competition among surrounding provinces for share of spoils, would disrupt Hyderabad governmental structure, destroy faith of Hyderabad Muslims that their interests would be protected, open way for further Communist uprisings in areas where they are strongest, would seriously threaten peace in Hyderabad and would shake political stability of princely states which have been given place of responsibility and prestige in Indian union. It is to forestall such results that GOI wishes establish Hyderabad as integral part of India but with Nizam as constitutional head of state. Despite internal pressure from Indian political figures GOI probably will be able to bring about a solution which will largely satisfy Hyderabad Muslims and Indian extremists if pressure from outside powers is withheld.
Press report from Karachi quotes radio broadcast by Pakistan Prime Minister on September 22 who referring to Nehru’s recent appeal for peace with Pakistan and after declaring Pakistan’s desire to promote peace averred that he had appealed to Nehru not to use military force against Hyderabad. Embassy’s viewpoint is that Liaquat [Page 403] Ali Khan’s address not only will not promote peace, but will further aggravate present disturbed conditions. Indian leaders are hypersensitive on Hyderabad issue, but feel no other solution was possible and criticism especially from Pakistan is bitterly resented.
Sent Department 873, pouched Karachi. Department pass London, Paris, USGADel from Delhi.
- Not printed.↩
- For text of the telegram, as read by the Indian representative, Ramaswami Mudalier, at the 359th meeting of the Security Council in Paris on September 20, see SC, 3rd yr., No. 111, p. 3. For summary of the Council’s discussions of the Hyderabad dispute, see Yearbook, 1947–48, pp. 459–460.↩