Foreign Relations of the United States, 1950, The Near East, South Asia, and Africa, Volume V

357.AB/6–250: Telegram

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

secret

Washington, June 2, 1950—9 a. m.

781. During talk with Bajpai on June 1 re Kashmir situation he told me following:

(1) Dixon had had several conversations with Nehru and himself re Kashmir which were for most part confined to matters procedure.

(2) Dixon has taken position which GOI considers valid that on basis his terms reference he should at once endeavor to ascertain whether arrangements can be made with full cooperation India and Pakistan for plebiscite. Therefore, his first specific task should be endeavor obtain agreement re demilitarization.

(3) Dixon believes it would be mistake for him to talk to each Prime Minister separately re matter demilitarization. His plan is to persuade them talk to each other in his presence on subject. If they fail find basis for agreement he might then offer suggestions. In case he fails bring about agreement re demilitarization he will decide at that time what next step should be. There will probably be no substantive conversations re demilitarization until after Nehru’s return India latter part June or early July.

(4) Dixon asked Bajpai if it might not be helpful in meantime for latter talk over matter demilitarization with Zafrullah. Bajpai replied that in his opinion such conversation might merely serve make each side more firmly wedded to its present position. He certainly would have no authority to alter India’s viewpoint and he believed that it was unlikely that Zafrullah would be willing to recede from Pakistan’s position.

(5) I believe that Dixon has made excellent impression thus far. He is feeling his way carefully and is wise in not attempting push forward too rapidly.

(6) During short conversation which I had with him at dinner with Australian High Commissioner several days ago he told me he felt very much isolated in his work. He had thus far not been given any advisers other than Colban.¹ It had been suggested to him informally by both British and American Governments that it would be preferable for him to hold himself rather aloof from their respective representatives in Delhi. Although he felt very much in need of advice, particularly re background, he assumed that he would be compelled work singlehandedly. I told him that all of us were anxious for success of his mission and that it was probably felt in Washington and London that his mission would be more likely to be successful if GOI would be convinced such decisions as he might reach were based on his own conclusions uninfluenced by representatives any great powers.

Department pass London. Sent Department 781; repeated info Karachi 66, London unnumbered.

Henderson

1. Erik A. Colban, Norwegian diplomat, former Personal Representative of the U.N. Secretary-General on the United Nations Commission for India and Pakistan.