Foreign Relations of the United States, 1949, The Near East, South Asia, and Africa, Volume VI

501.BC Kashmir/3–3049: Telegram

The Ambassador in India (Henderson) to the Secretary of State

secret

New Delhi, March 30, 1949—5 p. m.

381. Comkas 30. Following are principal points formal GOI truce proposals:

1. Reestablishment J and K administration over northern Kashmir, including Kargil, Skardu Astor and maintenance Indian Army garrisons these areas;

2. Disbandment and disarmament Azad forces as “essential both to fulfilment by GOI of their obligations under B1 and 2 of Part II and creation of conditions which would ensure free impartial plebiscite;”

3. Creation civil armed force of 2500 with one-half armed; one-half of force to be composed of Muslim and non-Muslim residents of area “who do not follow political creed of A[zad] K[ashmir]”; force to be commanded by neutrals appointed by Commission.

4. Program for withdrawal bulk GOI forces over 3–month period, leaving “one line communications area HQ” and one infantry division fulfilment this program to be “contingent upon” points 2, 3.

Following USDel’s preliminary comments seriatim:

1. These are as now administered by GOP through political agent Gilgit and garrisoned by 1000 Baltistan scouts under command Gilgit scouts, and small Pakistan forces in Bunji. Population 100% Muslim. Doubtful whether they or GOP would accept Indian rule.

2. This is first time GOI has proposed disbandment Azad forces during truce period as condition withdrawal GOI troops. This not contemplated August 13 resolution but was timed for consideration after truce carried and we intend urge commission make clear GOI position untenable.

3. There now functions in Azad area civil police with stated strength of 1100, all Muslims. While this might be expanded perhaps even to exceed 2500, believe proportion non-Muslims should approximate proportion total population. Highly doubtful that any Muslim residents, present or former, are not in sympathy with AK aims.

It now appears necessary for Commission to present compromise proposals for truce and we intend propose this course when commission meets today.

Lozano¹ and Kerchove² returned March 29 from satisfactory talks with Zafrullah³ and Gurmani⁴ in Karachi.

Henderson

1. Alfredo Lozano, Colombian representative on the UNCIP.
2. Robert van De Kerchove d’Hallebast, Belgian representative on the UNCIP.
3. Chaudhri Sir Muhammad Zafrulla Khan, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Commonwealth Relations, Government of Pakistan.
4. Mushtaq Ahmad Gurmani, Minister of Kashmir Affairs, Government of Pakistan.