357.AB/8–1351: Telegram
The Ambassador in India (Henderson) to the Secretary of State
598. Dr. Graham who returned Delhi yesterday saw Nehru this afternoon and had very gen discussion. He is having dinner alone with Nehru Aug 15 at which time he hopes obtain definite indication PriMin attitude toward question upon which his mission has set itself to find solution.
Our discussions with both Graham and Devers indicate they are now sowewhat disillusioned about possibility success their mission. Their pessimism seems largely to stem from pessimism high Pak auths about Nehru attitude. They expressed themselves as convinced that Pak auths were prepared consider nearly any measure necessary to solve Kashmir question subject only to non-jeopardy Pak security. GOI suggestions for demilitarization recd fol last mission visit New Delhi had afforded, in Devers judgment, some basis for joint Indo-Pak discussions demilitarization and Devers indicated mission’s firm intention bring Nehru and Liaquat together discuss demilitarization before they wld be ready admit failure mission. Mission members not at all sanguine Nehru readiness agree in final analysis to demilitarization plan. Dr. Graham is hopeful, however, that Wednesday evening with Nehru will give opportunity in favorable atmosphere discussion with PriMin of Kashmir problem as major element in preservation world peace and as affording India, particularly of course PriMin, opportunity for setting example entire world, and from which India cld emerge as leader of entirely new effort toward peace and disarmament. Dr. Graham explained that he is not making starry-eyed approach but one which he thought, after careful study Nehru character, there might be bare chance of selling to Nehru, the idealist. If successful he thought this might lead India definitely over to side of western world.
Emb impression is that Graham conception is that time has arrived, if his mission is to succeed, he must persuade Nehru on broad general grounds of importance for India that it take lead for a definite solution of Kashmir dilemma.
Sent Dept 598, rptd info Karachi 47, London 36.