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

357AB/12–2250: Telegram

The Secretary of State to the Embassy in the United Kingdom ¹

confidential

Washington, December 27, 1950—2 p. m.

3168. Brit Emb informed Dept Dec 26 favorable Cabinet decision to approach GOI–GOP for informal talks Kashmir, other Indo-Pak differences during London PriMin mtg. UK HICOMMs have recd instrs approach respective govts. We will treat utmost confidence this subj (urtel 3573, Dec 22).²

We have noted (urtel 3558, Dec 20) UK appraisal of situation in Pak to effect such is “not in any sense at point of crisis”. Although we sincerely hope this is the case, our own analysis of situation is not reassuring. We believe there are unmistakable signs growing unrest and mounting pressures against Liaquat Govt and that opposition groups are using effectively Kashmir issue to weaken Govt.

We believe view tense world situation grave responsibility and challenge falls on Indo-Pak leaders to settle their outstanding differences and hope Commonwealth mtg with UK in mediatory role will provide means by which progress on Kashmir and other Indo-Pak issues may be achieved.

Acheson

1. Repeated to Karachi 349, New Delhi 983, USUN 611.
2. Telegram 3573 from London, not printed, requested that the U.K. proposal for discussing the Kashmir issue at the Commonwealth Prime Ministers meeting in January be treated in utmost confidence (357.AB/12–2250).