690D.91/7–1651: Telegram
The Chargé in India (Steere) to the Secretary of State
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229. RefEmbtel 215 July 151 rptd info Karachi, London 7. Dutt acting Fon Secy was asked this morning whether he wld comment upon press reports Liaquat Ali had declared Karachi yesterday that 90 percent Ind army concentrated easy striking distance Pak borders and that he had sent tel to Nehru asking him in interest peace to remove threat thus created, etc.
Dutt replied he was unable make official statement but wld comment personally. Substance his remarks was as fols:
Without knowing all details he cld generally confirm that large share Ind army forces had been moved into positions general area Ind borders with east and west Pak. GOI decision do so had resulted from belligerent statements recent weeks by Pak press and many Pak leaders from highest level down. Dutt particularly mentioned that high Pak officials had declared Pak wld not permit Kashmir plans for convening Constituent Assembly to be carried out. GOI had expressed its support of Kashmir intentions to proceed with its constitutional rights to convene assembly for purpose preparing new constitution and India had no intention backing down in face Pak threat to intervene in this matter. In view character of statements responsible Pak leaders GOI felt it cld not run risk being taken by surprise and must make troop movements and dispositions necessary from defensive point view. Dutt emphasized Ind measures were purely defensive.
Dutt recalled PriMin Nehru’s offer to conclude joint declaration with Pak PriMin foregoing war as means of settlement disputes between two countries, which Pak PriMin had refused GOI cld not but regard Liaquat attitude as implying that Pak unwilling rule out possibility of war with India in certain circumstances. Dutt further declared his opinion that if hostilities shld break out and all-out war with Pak on all fronts wld be involved. To my inquiry about position in that event 40,000,000 Moslems in [India?], Dutt drew long face [Page 1776] and said there wld probably be resumption of communal strife on great scale.
In touching upon CA question Dutt particularly emphasized that GOI was supporting convening of Assembly for strictly constitutional purpose; namely, drafting of constitution and other aspects of local govt, and reiterated GOI wld not be bound by any views about accession which CA might voice. He seemed to be at pains to distinguish between actions of constitutional right which India felt it must support, and other actions which GOI might not support.
Dutt concluded by stating he assumed PriMin who returns Delhi July 17 wld regard it necessary make public reply Liaquat Ali.
Rptd info Karachi 12, London 9.
- Telegram 215 from New Delhi, July 15, not printed, contained information concerning the movement of Indian troops toward the Pakistan borders (690D.91/7–1551).↩