Office of the Historian

357.AB/9–2250: Telegram

The Acting Secretary of State to the Embassy in Pakistan

secret
Washington, September 22, 1950—8 p. m.

161. Fol is text ltr from Pres Truman dated Sep 19 which you shld deliver to PriMin GOP. Shld PriMin be unavailable msg shld be delivered FonOff.1 Begin Verbatim Text.

My dear Mr. Prime Minister: I am delighted that you have responded to my suggestion made upon your departure from Wash that you write to me,2 and welcome this further evidence of the friendship established between us as a result of ur visit to the US.

I have given my most earnest and sympathetic consideration to ur ltr and have discussed it with the SecState. Its contents clearly portray the efforts of the Govt of Pak to arrive at a solution of the Kashmir problem. I can appreciate ur grave concern and the concern of the people of Pak over the long delays in the settlement of this issue.

[Page 1432]

The Govt of the US is keenly aware of the seriousness of the Kashmir dispute, and it consequently was a source of deep disappointment to me to learn of the breakdown of the negots undertaken by Sir Owen Dixon. We had hoped that progress cld be made in removing this major block to cooperation and understanding between the peoples of Pak and India.

We are awaiting Sir Owen’s report, which will receive most careful consideration. We shall continue to use our best efforts in the UN SC to assist the Govt of Pak and the Govt of India to reach a fair solution of the Kashmir problem. I am confident that you will, in the coming consideration of this issue by the SC, continue to give the same splendid cooperation you rendered to Sir Owen Dixon.

Mrs. Truman joins me in expressing to you and to Begum Liaquat Ali our sincere wishes for ur continued good health and success and for the welfare of the people of Pak.

Very sincerely yours, (signed) Harry S. Truman

End Verbatim Text.

Webb
  1. In the absence of the Prime Minister, delivered to the Secretary of External Affairs, Mohammed Ikramullah, on September 25.↩
  2. A letter from the Prime Minister was addressed to President Truman on August 28 and transmitted by Ambassador Ispahani in a letter dated August 30, neither printed (357.AB/9–1550). A similar message was addressed to Attlee.↩