689.90D3/5–510: Telegram

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

secret

605. If and when we approach Afghanistan in endeavor to persuade it to cease stirring up anti-Pakistan feelings among Pathans I venture suggest it might be preferable for us not to state categorically that we consider area between Durand line and NWFP integral part of Pakistan. From strictly legal point view India may be correct in its position as again explained to me by Bajpai (Embtel 604, May 11) and we might be embarrassed if we should pass judgment on this point and should find ourselves overruled later by International Court of Justice.

Sent Department 605, repeated Kabul 10, pouched Karachi, Department pass London.

Henderson
  1. Not printed.