Foreign Relations of the United States, 1951, Asia and the Pacific, Volume VI, Part 2

357.AB/1–551: Telegram

The Secretary of State to the Embassy in the United Kingdom

confidential

Washington, January 5, 1951—7 p. m.

3285. Advise FonOff immed fol Dept views re Kashmir.

(1) In event Liaquat fails respond further Attlee appeal to attend Commonwealth PriMins mtg, as appears likely (Embtel 3471 [3741]¹ Jan 4), we believe prompt action SC essential and that best approach lies in UKDel-US draft res. We note that Pak internal pressures (Deptel 3168 Dec 27)² continue and although Liaquat position temporarily strengthened by stand re Commonwealth meeting we believe that unless prompt action by SC is taken opposition groups will gain further momentum making position present Govt precarious.

(2) We consider it most highly advisable UK and US both sponsor res re Kashmir Nat’l Conference action and appointment SC special Rep, in order to give full force and effect to such res and advance toward solution of this dispute. We reiterate our belief single res preferable, as outlined Deptel 3077 to London, Dec 15,³ and strongly urge UK join US in sponsoring such single res. We believe joint UK–US sponsorship wld counteract mounting anti UK–US feeling in Pak.

(3) Although we have continued to press UK for their views, we still do not know specific UK objections draft UKDel–US res. We wish details of possible UK objections so that we may reach agreement and be ready for immed SC MTG. What is earliest date UK envisages SC mtg re Kashmir?

Acheson

1. Not printed.
2. Foreign Relations, 1950, vol. v, p. 1444.
3. Not printed.