690D.91/12–651: Telegram
The Ambassador in the United Kingdom (Gifford) to the Secretary of State
2624. Deptel 1113 Dec 4 to New Delhi, rptd Karachi 520, Paris Gadel 336, London 2778.
Current FonOff thinking is in accord with that expressed reftel. Nevertheless if Graham reports Dec 22 he has not succeeded in his mission, even though there is acquiescence by both sides in continuance his present capacity, it will be incumbent on US–UK have ready any res (1) placing onus for failure on India but so carefully worded as not to force its open defiance SC, and (2) sufficiently strongly worded as to encourage Pak to agree to continuance of Graham in his permanent capacity until after Indian elections.
FonOff problem is to sell this idea to CRO which “has to live with India”.
Emb hopes report more fully this subj next few days.
Rptd info New Delhi 56, Karachi 49, Paris 1209.