357.AB/3–1954: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the United States Mission at the United Nations1
urgent
426. Re US observers in Kashmir (urtel 509).2 FYI. Aside from possible serious consequences US–Indian relations, principal US concern this matter is preserve authority Secretary General run efficient observer system not only in Kashmir but in Palestine and elsewhere. Secretary General’s capitulation to Indian demand withdraw US observers would deal severe blow this authority. Beyond this concern in efficient UN system we are not interested in forcing our service personnel where they are not desired and particularly where their personal safety may be endangered. Nor are we anxious to have this issue develop into serious open US–Indian controversy. We prepared follow Hammarskjold’s judgment and will respond to any reasonable arrangement which he may work out. However it is not clear what Indians will ask for on Saturday. AP dispatch from New Delhi March 18 quotes Nehru saying India has no present intention withdrawing visas of US observers. Thus in taking up matter with Cordier we see no reason discuss at this time any formula which would lead to reduction or gradual withdrawal US observers before we even know whether Indians actually will ask for withdrawal. End FYI.
In view above suggest you take following line in reply to Cordier’s request for advice.
- 1.
- Secretary General will obviously wish impress upon Dayal and [Page 1350] Menon baselessness Indian position and severe damage it will cause UN system.
- 2.
- If Indians demand officially withdrawal US observers, Secretary General might hint this problem might go beyond his responsibility and he might seek advice from appropriate UN organ. If Indians make formal request for withdrawal, we shall have sufficient time consult with Hammarskjold as to whether he will wish pursue this line.
- 3.
- We are not clear what “travel document” or “travel form” means. US observers of course have valid US passports in accordance with US law. If Cordier has in mind UN travel identification card used for instance by TSO members in Palestine, there would be presumably no objection if our observers were given such cards to carry along with their passports. We fail however see how this would solve visa problem unless Indians dispense with visa requirement altogether. Suggest you obtain clarification of what Cordier has in mind.
- 4.
- We shall raise with Defense matter withdrawing USAF plane as requested by Nimmo.
- 5.
- While we of opinion Indian visas are for unspecified duration of observer’s tour of duty, speediest way obtain information re expiration date of visas of our observers presently in area would be through Secretariat channels. Simultaneously verification report of recent departure three US observers could be obtained. Suggest you ask Cordier send appropriate message. Further reason for this procedure is our desire avoid direct contact between US observers and Embassy personnel.
- 6.
- If Indians do not submit formal request for withdrawal US observers or do not formally declare unwillingness issue further visas, it might be quite appropriate for Secretary General himself request Indian visas (Deptel 413).3