357.AB/4–2654: Telegram
The United States Representative at the United Nations (Lodge) to the Department of State
663. Re: Kashmir observers, Deptel 509, April 20. In conversation with Cordier today USUN ascertained that UN Secretary General does not foresee immediate replacement US observers whose terms due to expire in next three months by observers other nationalities. Secretary General, however, does not intend request extension of these terms.
Cordier has argued that for long-range purposes a certain balance of US observers to total number must be maintained. He foresees number US observers leveling down to about 8. As for period after “early fall” by which time Secretary General hopes situation will have cooled down, Cordier reports Secretary General will probably request replacement remaining US observers when their terms expire by US [UN] personnel.
Re Indian attitude, Secretary General disturbed at recent publicity over weekend regarding arrangements to phase out US observers. Indians have been given understand balanced character UN observers as mentioned above must be maintained.
Cordier informed USUN that firm contract arrangements have been made for plane to be provided within ten days by Aden, subsidiary of BOAC. Information re plane and non-extension of terms US observers expiring next three months will be confirmed by letter.