501.BC Kashmir/6–1849: Telegram
The Ambassador in India (Henderson) to the Secretary of State
688. 1. Lozano told me June 17 that he has practically completed discussions with GOI re truce and flies Kashmir June 19 with letter from GOI outlining certain understandings on basis of which it is willing to accept UNCIP’s truce proposals. He feels some possibility that UNCIP will be willing to enter into such understandings and then to endeavor persuade GOP also to accept truce proposals on conditions acceptable to UNCIP.
2. I have not seen GOI’s letter. Following is my understanding its outstanding points gained from my talk with Lozano.
- (a)
- Re Azad forces: GOI will be satisfied if UNCIP can assure it that if within seven weeks after beginning truce period Azad forces not disbanded, UNCIP will indicate that arrangements for plebiscite referred to in paragraph 2 UNCIP resolution January 5 have not yet been completed. Lozano said that such understanding between GOI and UNCIP would mean plebiscite could not be held until disbandment Azad forces and would merely have effect of prolonging truce period until such disbanding has taken place.
- (b)
- Re northern territories: GOI must have understanding that it can place small garrisons in three or four specified points along Kunchenjunga River. Lozano said these points were admittedly under control GOI at time cease-fire and apparently were removed from control GOI by General Delvoie when straightening out lines. He believes this request reasonable and one which should be accepted by [Page 1721] Pakistan, particularly since Pakistan is insisting that it should control all territory held by it at time cease-fire. GOI also insists that there be understanding that it have right to send forces into northern territories to restore peace and order in case violent disorder should take place. Lozano said it would be extremely difficult to prevail on Pakistan to accept this understanding, particularly since GOI would be in position—although it was not specified [specifically?] so stated—to decide for itself whether any disorders which might take place are sufficiently important to warrant troops. On other hand he thought it could be pointed out to GOP there was little likelihood serious internal disorders would occur since overwhelmingly Muslim population appears to be satisfied with present Pakistan controlled regime, and if GOI should send forces when in opinion UNCIP or plea administrator extent of disorder did not warrant such action, GOI could be charged with violating spirit of truce.
- (c)
- Re disclosure to GOP before acceptance by it truce proposals of scheduled GOI withdrawals. GOI refused to permit disclosure of such military secrets to GOP but Bajpai was recommending to Nehru that GOI would not object if UNCIP should inform GOP, in case full understanding should be reached between GOP and UNCIP with regard all other points of truce proposals, what Indian troops distribution must be at end three months period. Lozano believed Nehru would agree and he felt that such a solution should be satisfactory to Pakistan.
- (d)
- Lozano said that during conversations he had not indicated to GOI points made in Pakistan’s reply to truce proposals. First hurdle now to obtain agreement UNCIP to Indian suggestion, and second to reach understanding with Pakistan. He believed that GOI hoped UNCIP would agree to its present suggestion but would probably be relieved if Pakistan continued to reject truce proposals.