501.BC Kashmir/10–448: Telegram
The Chargé in India (Donovan) to the Secretary of State
913. With reference paragraph 2 Deptel 593, September 29,1 Embassy strongly recommends that in informal talks with GOI and GOP representatives American representative not urge modifications August 13 resolution of UNCIP which would tend to favor GOP and react to disadvantage GOI. Embassy believes if this action taken GOI would take stand moral principles were being sacrificed to expediency and might go so far as refuse cooperation in further attempts by UN arrange peaceful settlement.
Possibly most fruitful course pursue is to direct efforts towards long-term settlement either on basis of acceptance by India, Pakistan [Page 418] of brief outline plebiscite arrangements under UN supervision, as suggested Deptel 593, or on basis partition of state. Nehru and other GOI leaders have publicly stated their intention allowing Kashmiris determine their future by free plebiscite and it might be difficult for GOI refuse accept arrangements which would guarantee free plebiscite. GOI, however, is still determined not to jettison Abdullah or permit GOI [GOP] participate either in plebiscite supervision or in interim administration any part Kashmir. Embassy sees no reason why adequate safeguards for free plebiscite could not be established with Abdullah in power and suggest action be taken along these lines. Moreover, Embassy believes GOI would still accept partition, possibly even with plebiscite in vale of Kashmir, as solution.
Sent Department 918, repeated Karachi 158. Department pass London, Paris for USGADel, Geneva or Huddle.