357.AB/3–351: Telegram
The Ambassador in the United Kingdom ( Gifford ) to the Secretary of State
4755. According Olver, UK position on choice UN representative for Kashmir has now received Prime Minister’s approval and will be conveyed in telegram British Embassy Washington today for discussion earliest with Department. Embassy gathers UK will say it less hopeful than we Bunche will be acceptable to Pakistanis but that after careful review other possibilities, there is no suitable candidate UK prepared suggest as alternative. UK does feel, however, Department should take preliminary soundings on likelihood Bunche acceptable to Pakistanis and if their reaction violent, position should be reviewed. With this in mind, UK would be willing for Department ascertain whether Bunche might be available.
CRO officials downcast by Rau’s attack on UN resolution but there are certain individuals within CRO and Foreign Office with personal experience Indian temperament who say Indian reaction no more than might have been expected and similar intransigent stand certain occasions previous history UN consideration Kashmir dispute. These [Page 1742] individuals believe SC should continue with deliberation resolution as planned and try to get UN representative to Kashmir as soon as possible.
Department pass USUN. Repeated info New Delhi 148, Karachi 81, USUN 76.