501.BC Kashmir/11–2648: Telegram
The Acting Chairman of the United States Delegation at the United Nations General Assembly (Dulles) to the Secretary of State
Delga 943. As foreshadowed second paragraph London’s 4975, November 23,1 UKDel agreed in informal meeting with GADel prior SC meeting November 25 to go along with idea that SC should as first move present phase Kashmir case restrict action to endorsement current efforts UNCIP restrained parties while negotiating with them re plebiscite principles. We also agreed that UNCIP should make early progress report to SC together with recommendations. As result, line taken by US and UK representative in short statements at SC meeting November 25 very similar and found strong support in SC.
Conversations with UKDel after SC meeting indicate, however, that should UNCIP not be able report success within next week, UKDel will again strongly press for unconditional cease-fire probably along lines calling upon GOI and GOP without prejudice to the final settlement to issue cease-fire order to all forces in Kashmir under their control or influence and requesting that they arrange for conference between respective commanders-in-chief to arrange details. In our reply this proposal we have stated our belief in wisdom contained adherence three-fold approach including cease-fire and truce program of UNCIP August 13 resolution and plebiscite recommendation and have particularly stressed point mentioned paragraph three Gadel 582, November 25. Reference paragraph two same cable, British see no need specifying chapter charter under which action taken but are inclined view that it is in any event unwise to view action between Chapters VI and VII, that is to place cease-fire and truce on “higher level” than plebiscite proposals.
We wish emphasize importance for success our present efforts to achieve Kashmir settlement of early action re plebiscite administrator. It is likely that stature of person available for this post may be determining factor in willingness parties put fate Kashmir in neutral hands.
Reference paragraph five Gadel 582, UK representatives have frankly told us that while British Government now strongly opposed idea Commonwealth administrator, they may possibly be able persuade London change view if US would suggest suitable Commonwealth candidate. They question wisdom selecting Casey (Australia) and doubt availability McNaughton (Canada) but mentioned Kirby [Page 464] (Australia) as possibility. They continue hope, however, that possibility US national filling positions not entirely excluded.
Sent Department Delga 943, repeated London 1360, Department repeat Karachi 15, New Delhi 17.
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