501.BC Kashmir/11–2948: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the United States Representative on the United Nations Commission for India and Pakistan (Huddle), at Paris
4568. Kascom 43. For Huddle: Following excerpt from Weeka No. 9, Karachi’s No. 112, Nov. 26,1 rptd for your info:
“Kargil and Mendhar now occupied by India. Actual opening line of communication Punch from south had been expected by Pak Army. Entire Azad territory east of Rajaori-Punch road now surrounded by Indian forces makes position of quarter million Muslims precarious 50,000 refugees already in Pak and more moving. Azad morale weakened. Many senior brigadiers and major generals, Pak Army nationals with Kashmir battle experience, contacted by MA most anxious to launch counter-attack but being held back by CINC who still hopes that UN can do something. Any further advance by India sure to precipitate all-out counter-attack by Pak Army and use of Pak Air Forces. Regular Pak Army Forces increased in Mirpur area and plans [Page 466] for counter-attack prepared. Pak national officers contacted feeling is that UN will not be effective and that final decision must be by force of arms and that the delay to date has given India much territory that should and could have been held if Pak Army was allowed to go on offensive.”
- Not printed.↩