501.BC Kashmir/9–849: Telegram
The Ambassador in India (Henderson) to the Secretary of State
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1044. 1. When I saw Bajpai this afternoon at his request he handed me copy of Nehru’s reply to President submitted in Telegram 1043, September 8 and also text GOI reply to UNCIP1 summary of which will be forwarded in subsequent telegram. Both dated today.
[Page 1739]2. After I had glanced through documents he said he wished stress (a) their friendly tone and (b) fact they still left door open to arbitration. He added Prime Minister was sorry his expression of surprise during speech [at] Alláhábad had apparently given impression he was irritated at receipt appeals. He insisted Prime Minister appreciated motives behind appeals and has accepted them as indication friendly interest US and UK in problem of south Asia.
3. I said it seemed to me Indian press and public must have obtained impression that Prime Minister was displeased; otherwise I could not account for critical attitude Indian press has subsequently taken this regard. He said both Prime Minister and he deeply regretted line press had taken. They were particularly unhappy at distorted leaks that had appeared this morning’s papers.
4. I told him I was sure he had considerable responsibility for the friendly tone of Prime Minister’s reply. After some hesitation he admitted he had long conversation which lasted until small hours of morning. He said Governor General2 perhaps more than anyone else deserved credit for fact door was still left open for arbitration.
5. Continuing in personal vein Bajpai said he did not believe however that any good purpose would be served in further attempts at arbitration under auspices of UNCIP. He was convinced the UNCIP had made its final contribution by obtaining cease fire. It could not, however, contribute further to solution. He hoped therefore in view unbreakable deadlock on disbandment Azzad forces UNCIP could be wound up soon leaving perhaps some observers to supervise cease fire and to continue line demarcation.
He could state categorically that India would never initiate resort to arms to solve problem.
6. Speaking only personally and without authority from his government he earnestly hoped SC could explore further arbitration or preferably mediation. Arbitration or mediation however should not be limited to question of truces since that avenue apparently hopelessly blocked by attitude Pakistan re Azzad forces. Mediation could cover much wider range including even final solution Kashmir problem. He wished again stress that this was personal view expressed by him to me and not suggestion on part his government.
7. As I was preparing depart, Bajpai remarked we were both dedicated to purpose strengthening friendly relations between India and US. Such relations were in the mutual interest our respective countries. In interpreting American approaches to his government he had this purpose in mind and he sincerely hoped that in commenting to my government re exchanges such as those we were discussing I would bear [Page 1740] in mind basic underlying friendship of India for US. I obtained impression from his remarks and attitude he desired me understand he was trying to smooth over what had probably been for him trying situation and wanted my cooperation as far as my government was concerned.
Sent Department 1044, repeated London.