690D.91/1–2852: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Embassy in Pakistan 1
728. Embtel 780 Jan 28. While Malik referred at length to present consembly he did not say precisely anywhere in statement present consembly is one to act on issue.
In penultimate para Malik’s remarks he said “USSR Govt considers Kashmir question can be resolved successfully only by giving Kashmir people opportunity decide Kashmir constitutional status by themselves without outside interference. This can be achieved if that status is determined by consembly democratically elected by Kashmir people.” This ambiguous passage probably used by Soviet apologists to refute charge Malik referred existing consembly though evident to Dept USSR wanted Indians to believe USSR had latter in mind. In either case Pak stands to lose.
Two-faced nature USSR operation indicated by fact that if Malik’s remarks deemed applicable present consembly, viewpoint Sheikh Abdullah and certain Indian elements is presumably favored; while if Malik statement interpreted not apply present consembly, USSR is in position cynically to assure GOP (as Vyshinsky assured Zafrulla)
[Page 1185]USSR position not opposed to GOP position. Nevertheless it is opposed since selection of new consembly wld deny Kashmiri opportunity to vote directly on question accession. Furthermore statement cld in any event have effect encouraging Abdullah Govt toward autonomy with increased danger Commie domination Kashmir.
Dept will appreciate continuing info re developments Pak reaction to Malik statement.
- This telegram was repeated for information to London and Paris.↩