Office of the Historian

689.90D/10–2254: Telegram

The Acting Secretary of State to the Embassy in Pakistan1

confidential
Washington, October 22, 1954—8:09 p.m.

518. Following are Pakistani views re Kashmir given by Foreign Minister in recent meetings consequent to Prime Ministers visit Washington: Zafrulla indicated intent return dispute Security Council but specified no date. Reflecting probable domestic political pressures he said further UN consideration needed to give hope to Kashmiris still oppressed by Indian rule. Pakistanis propose agree almost any Indian demand re quantum forces each side cease fire line. Realizing probability Soviet veto any constructive resolution, they believe however that simple indication of consensus of agreement between SC members re quantum forces might enable Graham proceed further [Page 1363] negotiations looking to selection Plebiscite administrator. Zafrulla believes Secretary General has suitable candidate in mind for position who once selected might then be empowered decide final troop distributions. Pakistanis exhibited little enthusiasm possible reference General Assembly.

Hoover
  1. This telegram was repeated for information to London.↩