357.AB/4–1152: Telegram
The Ambassador in India (Bowles) to the Department of State1
priority
3732. Bajpai showed me copy of aide-mémoire given to GOI SC rep by Graham for transmission to his govt. This was identical to copy [Page 1226] which we had already recd and which I was prepared to discuss with GOI. Bajpai showed me their reply, which he said had been cabled to NY afternoon of Apr 10, in which the Ind Govt had expressed its desire for continued negots, but expressed its belief that association of Pleb Administrator with Graham mission at this time is premature.
I told Bajpai I was deeply disappointed GOI had taken this position and while I had no knowledge, official or otherwise, of what Graham had in mind, it seemed to me quite likely his proposal to bring Pleb Administrator into assoc with him at this time was designed solely to enable him open in indirect manner line of negot which GOI itself had proposed i.e., partition with Pleb confined to valley or 3-zone Pleb.
I emphasized this was pure guesswork, but if my estimate was correct it was unfortunate GOI had seemed close its doors on discussion of very approach they had advocated. Bajpai hesitated and said he thought it was necessary for him to talk very frankly with me and in confidence. He then stated decision was made not by him, but by Cabinet comite on fon affairs and that at mtg he had stated he felt it possible Graham had very point in mind which I had suggested. However, two or three members of comite argued strongly that if Graham had actually had this in mind he wld have given GOI directly or indirectly some inkling of his objectives and fact that there had been no explanation indicated proposal for assoc of Pleb Administrator at this time was for some other purpose. I suggested to Bajpai I might inquire as to whether or not our estimate is correct and if it is correct, that I might ask to have Graham outline his reasoning in separate and confidential msg to GOI. Bajpai stated he wld welcome this and while he cld not guarantee Cabinet comite wld reverse its position, he felt there is good chance of this provided Graham’s explanation was clear.
He emphasized GOI had at least as much desire as Graham himself to keep their interest in partition possibility confidential since publicity might destroy whatever chance there might exist to secure Pak agrmt. Bajpai stated if GOI had any other view that wld have made major public point of their willingness to agree to this approach and wld have sent official proposal in memo form to Graham instead of opening question discreetly, verbally and confidentially.
Bajpai went on to say that if we are correct in assuming Graham’s desire to include Pleb Administrator is for purpose of allowing latter to discuss partition or zonal Plebs in hope of getting agrmt on this approach, which in turn wld enable Graham himself to approach question of quantum mil forces on somewhat different basis, there was no reason why he shld not say so in conf to GOI rep in SC. Bajpai stated chances of Inds accepting Graham’s suggestion under this condition wld be improved if Pleb Administrator was assigned as advisor [Page 1227] and was not at that time officially granted powers to move ahead with Pleb itself.
We note in London Embtel 4585, Apr 10, Dept rptd Delhi 102,2 the possibility Adm Nimitz may not be available. Although it will be difficult to find another man of his great integrity and understanding, we do feel that if there is a new man, he shld not be Amer. As US citizen Graham has already given us special responsibility which wld be intensified needlessly by selection of another Amer to take Nimitz place.
We wholly agree with position of Brit in their suggestion not to bring Australs into this sitn. We repeat that our best hope for settlement and we believe it is reasonably good hope is in getting Graham back to subcontinent with full power to approach Kashmir problem in broadest possible way and particularly to negotiate on basis of zonal Pleb or partition and Pleb confined to valley. GOI is convinced that if this question is to be settled it will be settled only in this manner.