Office of the Historian

501.BC Kashmir/6–1849: Telegram

The Secretary of State to the Embassy in India 1

secret
niact
Washington, June 18, 1949—11 a. m.

435. Kascom 88. Fol reflects Dept thinking re GOI “understanding” contained GOI Itr summarized Delhi’s 688, June 18:

(1)
GOI points do not represent real change GOI position and appear designed to have Comm interpret GOI position as acceptance Comm’s proposals leaving GOP bear onus rejection.
(2)
On basis present info provisions GOI ltr Dept recommends you strongly oppose Comm acceptance thereto. If pushed to vote you shld state that you must vote negatively and if US position defeated you would have to reserve US right to explain its position in minority report and in SC.

Dept believes as logical next step Lozano Delhi conversations should be balanced by immediate approach Comm Rep GOP requesting [Page 1722] any modification their views Comm’s truce proposals and fol reply from GOP Comm shld consider replies both parties. Approach outlined Point d Delhi’s 688 not believed to be proper approach and cld be interpreted GOP as unequal treatment by Comm.

In event Comm feels replies both parties unacceptable Dept believes US Rep shld propose UNCIP adopt resolution calling upon parties acceptance arbitration truce. Dept views re arbitral approach fol separate communication.

Re (2) above Dept objections directed principally at fol points:

(a)
Dishandment Azad forces contemplated plebiscite period rather than under Part 2 Aug 13 resolution. If GOI wishes advance disbandment Azad forces to truce period it shld agree likewise advance final disposal Indian and state armed forces as originally provided Para 4a Jan 5 resolution.
(b)
Dept believes decision stationing GOI forces northern areas cannot be left in hands GOI and maximum concessions to GOI this respect contained in UNCIP proposals 28 Apr.
(c)
Dept cannot agree that in framework peaceful settlement Kashmir dispute withdrawal Indian forces constitutes “military secret.” Dept believes GOP shld be given full disclosure GOI withdrawals.

Rptd to Karachi and London.

Acheson
  1. Repeated to Karachi as 188 and London as 2138.↩