Foreign Relations of the United States, 1948, The Near East, South Asia, and Africa, Volume V, Part 1

501.BC Kashmir/12–448: Telegram

The Acting Chairman of the United States Delegation at the United Nations General Assembly (Dulles) to the Secretary of State

secret   us urgent
niact

Paris, December 4, 1948—9 p. m.

Delga 1056. For Satterthwaite and Sanders¹ from Jessup and Huddle. We had assumed from Gadel 613² that we were authorized use possible availability prominent American as important card in present UNCIP negotiations. Although no specific commitment given. UNCIP and representatives both parties have been informed that we had no objection to consideration of candidates of US nationality. While appreciating reasons which may have prompted view expressed (Gadel 671²) we feel that any statement by us now that US candidate excluded might seriously jeopardize current negotiations which are in extremely critical stage. We probably have only about another week in which to achieve possible pacific settlement in Paris of Kashmir question which as Department is aware, is key to peace and stability entire South Asian area. We cannot too strongly urge desirability Department giving urgent reconsideration to question availability prominent American for this position.

We feel that active steps should be taken ascertain availability specific person subject condition mentioned in last paragraph Delga 1018.³

Following considerations pertinent this connection:

1. In an atmosphere better feeling between parties which would be reflected in agreement plebiscite principles possible unfavorable reaction toward US resulting from activities PA believed reduced. In any event fact UNCIP is international and that Belgians have approved appointment Lt. General Del Voye [Delvoie] as military adviser believed dilute possible attribution American responsibility. PA would of course be international official and this fact would be made abundantly clear. Calculated risk of this kind would appear preferable to policy avoiding any involvement in problem.

2. In discussions to date representatives both parties have evinced definite interest possible appointment American. In fact, they appear definitely prefer American. GOP representatives assert they could be certain PA would not be influenced through pressure brought on government his country only if he were a national powerful country like US. GOI representatives have responded favorably several names mentioned Gadel 613 and have also mentioned Justice Frankfurter.⁴

3. Countries from which PA can be selected highly limited in number. [Jessup and Huddle.]

Dulles

1. William Sanders, Acting Deputy Director, Office of United Nations Affairs.
2. Not printed.
2. Not printed.
3. The reference is to the last sentence of a telegram dated December 2 not printed, which reads as follows: “It should be clearly understood that parties not yet agreed on UNCIP plebiscite proposals and that there is some doubt that pending such agreement PA could be chosen basis SC April 21 resolution without new SC resolution.” (501.BC Kashmir/12–248)
4. Felix Frankfurter, Associate Justice, U.S. Supreme Court.