501.BC Kashmir/12–3149: Telegram
The United States Representative at the United Nations (Austin) to the Secretary of State
1492. McNaughton called meeting with Cadogan and Gross late on December 30. Following is summary, meeting fully reported in memorandum. Gross described his interview with Bajpai and Rau reported in our 14901 of December 30. McNaughton described conversation in which Zafrullah acting as a Foreign Minister pushed almost beyond endurance spoke feelingly of inability to restrain his people much longer. He felt UN sought any kind of agreement, not justice. Could imagine a “Sampsonian Act” by which Pakistan would destroy herself, India and stability in Far East, but it would be death with honor. Cadogan and McNaughton felt this was more than tactical outburst.
In exchange of letters McNaughton has indicated to Zafrullah his unwillingness to insist that any amendment to proposals should be consistent with them, because parties can agree to change them.
Re next step, McNaughton feels force of SC opinion should be given chance to work on parties. He has told them he wants government, not delegation views on amendments. Sees the block in lack of agreement on demilitarization. Pressure is necessary in New Delhi, but Nehru should be left ways of negotiating without loss of face.
After this month he proposes simply to be channel of communication between parties until SC may act to give him mandate to go on. His price as he states it to parties would then be agreement on demilitarization. It was generally agreed McNaughton should be kept in [Page 1776] case. He does not insist on formal action by SC, but renewed indication of members’ support and desire of parties. He will be out of city until January 9.
Cadogan reported that Malik (USSR) confirmed indications in his speech he would not veto motion to keep McNaughton in case.
- Not printed.↩