690D.91/8–1753: Telegram
The Ambassador in India (Allen) to the Department of State1
340. Series of articles frontpaged by Hindustan Times August 15, 16, 17, indicates Government of India continues endeavor divert attention [Page 1331] from its embarrassment over its action in Kashmir by charging foreign interference in Kashmir affairs. Articles by Hindustan Times political correspondent in Kashmir charge “United Nations Agency” with plotting establish Abdullah at head of independent government in Indian-occupied Kashmir through economic aid furnished by United Nations. Extremes to which these articles go are indicated by fact no effort has been made explain how Abdullah could gain independence through economic aid while surrounded by Indian troops. Embassy doubts Hindustan Times would play up these stories without at least acquiescence Government of India.
Special article in Hindustan Standard August 16 suggests plot to establish independent Kashmir hatched when Sheik Abdullah visited United States America “several months ago”; that United States Government was behind “coup” which made Mohammed Ali Pakistan Prime Minister; that Adlai Stevenson went to Kashmir in May 1953 to give final instructions to Abdullah regarding coup to make Indian-occupied Kashmir independent. Article observes Abdullah’s foreign contacts obviously of “criminal, conspiratorial and treasonable character”, and United States America objectives were buffer state between USSR and India, and Pakistan friendship which would make possible importation through Karachi of arms for Kashmir which would have become “virtually a Northern Pakistan”.
- This telegram was repeated for information to London and Karachi.↩