501.BC Kashmir/10–1148: Telegram
The United States Representative on the United Nations Commission for India and Pakistan (Huddle) to the Acting Secretary of State
1374. For GADel from Huddle. Your 81 received 10.
- (a)
- First draft report probably not ready before two weeks or more;
- (b)
- It will be historical and probably harmless and should not prejudice future negotiations and usefulness of commission but by same token may be of small utility;
- (c)
- Report will probably contain little by way of recommendations beyond expressing pious hope that India and Pakistan can be induced to agree on plebiscite under Article 3 of August 13th resolution and to accept cease-fire and truce provisions;
- (d)
- I know no reason why submission report cannot be delayed indefinitely. Certainly commission is extremely desirous harmonize its efforts with those about to be exerted at Dominion conference and SC;
- (e)
- Report will not discuss partition which was not formally considered by commission: It was learned soon after arrival subcontinent that partition idea was very unpopular especially among Muslims of both Pakistan and Kashmir, who fear that by any partition they would lose Kashmir valley.
Pakistan wants all Jammu-Kashmir and would probably win it in a general plebiscite of whole state; India does not want to give up [Page 428] Kashmir valley and south eastern Jammu and fears their loss by general plebiscite. But Pakistan has objected to UNCIP resolution because it fears Indians now in possession valley would somehow manipulate plebiscite to Pakistan disadvantage. Pakistan officials have assured me Pak. would accept resolution if it assured UN control and management of plebiscite in Kashmir. This is objected to by India. If discussions London can get agreement on this point it would be important step toward solution problem.
Patrick program outlined London’s 702 to Paris for GADel2 is sensible approach. India and Pakistan should best settle this matter within Commonwealth and Prime Minister Attlee’s conversations with Prime Ministers Liaquat and Nehru might get results. Would appreciate being informed developments London.
Sent Paris as 265; repeated Department 1374, London 110.