501.BC Kashmir/11–1048: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Acting Secretary of State
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Delga 681. For Satterthwaite and Mathews from Thurston. Pursuant instructions based Cabinet level decision, Cadogan (UK) informed Jessup this morning his government would like SC to issue unconditional cease-fire order to GOI and GOP and immediately thereafter send high-powered mediator to Indian subcontinent, perhaps in guise of plebiscite administrator provided for in SC Resolution April 21. He indicated his government had Eisenhower in mind and that he was under instructions take matter up with Secretary whom he may see today.
We told Cadogan that we understood present plans UNCIP were to stay Paris next few weeks with view formulating recommendations to parties re Kashmir plebiscite and obtaining GOI and GOP approval or acquiescence thereto through negotiations with their representatives now Paris. We mentioned possibility Bajpai (India) might remain here another week or ten days and that Zafrulla Khan (Pakistan) would also be available adding that UNCIP felt it should make such last effort here on its own part prior throwing question back in lap SC.
[Page 445]Cadogan said he would report UNCIP plans to his government for consideration. From his remarks we gather British have in mind almost immediate action by SC along lines first paragraph with UNCIP meanwhile taking back seat.
For Department’s information, UNCIP’s plan work on plebiscite recommendations here stems from feeling based recent informal discussions with GOI representatives Paris, that India has somewhat softened its position on plebiscite at least in so far as willingness discuss question concerned. Since it was GOI refusal even discuss possibility elaboration Part Three August 13 cease-fire and truce proposals that prompted UNCIP temporarily suspend its labor in the field, UNCIP apparently believes it now possible resume their work and obtain consent parties to procedure which would link August 13 proposals with at least general plan for plebiscite.
US GADel reaction to British proposal is that UNCIP should be encouraged follow present plan of making a last effort on plebiscite recommendations before matter taken up SC. If UNCIP fails make progress, then SC reconsideration problem would appear necessary and something along line British suggestions might be worked out SC. This obviously matter of timing. Perhaps more important is question advisability going along with British idea that high caliber American like Eisenhower be sent Indian subcontinent to attempt achieve settlement this difficult issue which we have always considered one in which British have long established interest.
Would appreciate Department’s views as basis our further discussions with British.
Sent Department Delga 681, repeated London 1222. Department repeat Karachi as 5, New Delhi as 7. [Thurston.]