357.AB/4–952: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Embassy in Pakistan1
secret
priority
priority
Washington, April 9, 1952—7:07
p.m.
1029. Re Kashmir. Re Deptel 10282 giving text Graham aide-mémoire:
- 1.
- USUN, as result of talk
with Graham Apr 8,
received fol info:
- (a)
- Graham said both parties received aide-mémoire without outcry and said they wld send it to their govts for early action.
- (b)
- Graham said he had come to conclusion soon after return subcontinent that neither India nor Pakistan was willing give way sufficiently on troop quantum to make compromise on demilitarization possible. At same time, Indian decision withdraw a division means that majority forces on both sides will be withdrawn. This he construes as bringing demilitarization process to final phase, at which point it merges with phase of establishing prerequisites for holding plebiscite. Purpose associating plebiscite administrator designate with UNRep in next round negots is link questions of disarming, disbanding, and location of remaining forces with question of withdrawal.
- (c)
- Graham indicated his belief that UNRep in final stage of demilitarization wld be encroaching on PlebAd’s responsibility unless some form of association and joint consultation were established. He thought this step wld be very good for Pak as indication to people of real progress toward Pleb. He thought proposal also advantageous [Page 1224] to India in that if it should develop that plebiscite cld not in fact be held, i.e., if agreement on demilitarization is still not forthcoming, PlebAd was only authoritative person to make this finding.
- (d)
- Graham said task they had set themselves in Geneva was to find device which wld keep negots moving, bring in new element, and avoid SC debate. He thought they had succeeded. He believes both parties will accept his proposal.
- (e)
- Graham said he had no intention of raising alternative solution of problem at present; any such suggestion wld send Pakistanis straight through roof.
- (f)
- USUN told Graham about our representations on subcon on importance of continuing negots and about Zafrullah’s reply (Deptel 1018 to Karachi and 2128 to New Delhi and Karachi’s 1154). Graham said he was pleased and encouraged by Zafrullah’s response.
- 2.
- Dept heartily endorses Graham proposals to parties and requests you strongly urge in your most persuasive manner acceptance proposals as basis for further negots. Such representation shld be coordinated with UK colleagues. However if UKHC has not received instructions from London by end 48 hours after receipt this tel you shld proceed communicate our views to GOI and GOP. If questioned by them in meantime you may indicate US support for proposal and urge acceptance. Dept and USUN keeping in close touch with Brit colleagues.
London pls keep in close touch FonOff re UK instructions to Karachi and New Delhi.
Acheson