501.BC Kashmir/11–3048: Telegram
The United States Representative on the United Nations Commission for India and Pakistan (Huddle) to the Secretary of State
Delga 993. Comkas 62. Informal UNCIP discussion with GOI and GOP representatives re UNCIP plebiscite proposals have now reached critical stage. While Zafrullah Khan has devoted hours to exposition GOP viewpoint before UNCIP and has raised such basic problems as complete withdrawal GOI troops before plebiscite, coalition state government, and provision of fullest and widest powers for plebiscite administrator (hereinafter referred to as PA), we have impression that he is prepared recede considerably if really outstanding PA should be available near future.
Bajpai appeared before UNCIP for first time today though chairman had several informal talks with him previously. In his informal presentation preliminary GOI views, he reiterated GOI objections coalition government and delegation detailed powers to PA which would enable latter “interfere” in matters other than plebiscite but stated no wide gap existed between GOI position and UNCIP proposals. Though apparently willing drop idea that PA be considered officer of state government, he stressed that powers PA should be derived that government. He agreed, however, that these powers should be sufficient ensure fair and impartial plebiscite. He indicated GOI view that PA should be person high-, stature commanding general confidence and implied that in such case detailed enumeration powers unnecessary.
In preliminary remarks Bajpai expressed hope UNCIP could return India very soon to continue discussions there since it is difficult “separate principles from detail” and mentioned necessity his own early return. Bajpai was informed UNCIP not presently inclined return sub-continent without some measure prior agreement.
From foregoing obvious that old divergencies still plague efforts; at peaceful settlements However, tendency is emerging on part both GOI and GOP to agree to designation PA of high stature and with broad but unspecified powers relating free and impartial plebiscite. Though such agreement would constitute only first step in peaceful [Page 467] solution, it would bring cease-fire and truce into operation with all the advantages accruing therefrom and would place on scene a figure, who if he finds he cannot hold fair plebiscite, could make effort achieve alternative peaceful solutions in what should be better atmosphere than present. Indication availability outstanding figure would substantially facilitate agreement Paris.
Both GOI and GOP representatives have informally conveyed their hope to US representative that prominent American might be made available.
Sent Department Delga 933; repeated London 1387; Department repeat New Delhi 18, Karachi 16.