690D.91/10–554: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the United States Mission at the United Nations
237. Re Kashmir urtel 252 October 5. We note with interest and endorse UK desire for reference Kashmir question to GA (UK’s third alternative). Impasse between parties indicates to us GA now probably only means making any progress toward solution Kashmir question.
Following are our views as to how question should be referred to GA if Pakistanis request SC consideration:
- 1.
- Contrary to UK suggestion in their three choices we wish to avoid any substantive resolution. We believe most desirable objective should be US–UK jointly sponsored resolution requesting recommendations of GA under Article 12 of Charter on continued handling of dispute. In this particular case tactic is desirable as best means of assuring there will be no question re continued binding effect of previous SC resolutions and UNCIP resolutions on parties. Although we would not accept the contention, dropping Kashmir item from SC’s agenda might be basis for Indians in particular to allege they no longer bound by prior actions of Council, UNRep and UNCIP.
- 2.
- After hearing formal statements from Pakistanis and Indians concerning impasse in their direct negotiations, Dr. Graham might be asked for his comments.
- 3.
- While we would hope resolution on Article 12 action would not be vetoed by Soviets, if it were, we should consider with UKDel and other delegations move to drop Kashmir question from SC agenda, making it clear in our view there can be no question as to continued validity SC resolutions and actions UNCIP and UNReps taken pursuant thereto.
- 4.
- Following Council action we should consider with UKDel pressing for consideration Kashmir question by GA.
UK should be advised our ideas above. Pakistanis, Indians and Dr. Graham may be advised these views at this time only if they are already concurred in by UK and only if sought by those delegations.
FYI. We appreciate in view (1) advanced stage present GA, (2) internal political difficulties in Pakistan, and (3) Department’s intimation to Zafrulla here in Washington we were contemplating possibility turning Kashmir question over to GA, that Pakistan may not push for early SC action. Exploratory conversations suggested may deter further [Page 1364] any Pakistani move for early SC debate. However, since GA action appears only logical step out of present impasse we should proceed coordinate with UKDel toward laying ground work for GA debate. We are presently giving consideration type GA action. Should so indicate to UKDel and ask for UK’s views. Since other delegations likely press USUN for our views once above steps agreed upon you may indicate US Government presently considering various possible constructive steps and hopes other delegations will do likewise. End FYI.