690D.91/7–252: Telegram
The Acting Secretary of State to the Embassy in Pakistan1
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31. Dept gratified at GOP willingness offer concessions in hope achieving demilitarization and entrance into office of PlebAd and regards GOP proposal as statesmanlike move. On basis urtel 15 Jul 2 and Burnett’s tel to London2 relayed to BritEmb Wash Dept assumes GOP has clearly decided against transmitting proposal to Graham either to be presented to parties as Graham’s proposal or to be presented to GOI by Graham as a GOP proposal. Dept assumes GOP definitely prefers Bowles sound out Nehru on informal basis.
If foregoing assumptions correct you are auth tel Bowles immed that Dept auth (s) him see Nehru immed to present GOP offer informally for Nehru’s consideration. Suggestions to Bowles re presentation fol in separate tel.
Dept understands that Jul 3 before Graham was informed by USUN of GOP proposal, Graham promised Bokhari and Ayub that on Jul 7 he wld present them with new proposals of his own. Dept presumes Graham will now postpone mtg sched for Jul 7 at least until Bowles has had opportunity transmit GOP offer to Nehru and to obtain GOI reaction.
FYI BritEmb on Jul 3 conveyed to Dept certain observations and suggestions made by FonOff and CRO re GOP proposal. Dept did not consider these very helpful or pertinent and informed BritEmb it favored immed informal transmission by Bowles to Nehru of GOP offer—assuming this was method preferred by GOP. As soon as Bowles has transmitted GOP proposal to Nehru you shld inform Zafrullah. Dept suggests that at that time you ask Zafrullah whether he intends mention this development to UK with a view to obtaining UK support for GOP proposal in New Delhi.
Dept requests you cable all pertinent devlpts priority.