Foreign Relations of the United States, 1955–1957, South Asia, Volume VIII

48. Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in Pakistan ¹

Washington , February 9, 1957—7:40 p.m.

1919. Re Kashmir. Embtel 2057.² Ambassador should convey following views orally on behalf President to Prime Minister Suhrawardy in response his message given you January 30:

1) President appreciates very much Prime Minister’s message on Kashmir. Suggestions made by Prime Minister represent what might be new and helpful approach to solution this issue and will receive most careful consideration by US Government. However in President’s view there are many complex problems involved in what Prime Minister proposes which will require review and consultation with other UN members.

2) As Prime Minister aware US Government values very much its close ties with Governments of Pakistan and India. We have striven since beginning Kashmir dispute to assist both countries to reach satisfactory solution this issue through our support of UN efforts.

3) President has authorized Ambassador Lodge to continue his discussions in New York with Foreign Minister Noon on constructive approaches for solution this issue. In addition President has discussed Kashmir issue with Secretary who has assured him this subject receiving his very close and careful attention.

4) President extends best personal wishes to Prime Minister and President Mirza.

FYI—Department believes oral presentation preferable in view previous experience re leaks to Pakistan press. We are continuing conversations with British in effort reach agreement on constructive approaches for Security Council action.³

Dulles

1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 690D.91/2–957. Confidential; Priority; Presidential Handling. Drafted by Collins, cleared with Goodpaster, and approved by Dulles. Repeated to London, New Delhi, and USUN.
2. In telegram 2057, January 30, Ambassador Hildreth reported that Prime Minister Suhrawardy delivered a signed letter to him that morning for President Eisenhower. In the letter, Suhrawardy thanked the President for strong U.S. support of Pakistan’s position on Kashmir in the Security Council. The Prime Minister also indicated that Pakistan would go as far as possible to meet the Indian viewpoint on the question of demilitarization by withdrawing the entire Pakistani army from Kashmir, prior to the Indian troop withdrawal, provided that the defense and security of the area would be safeguarded by a U.N. police force. (Ibid., 690D.91/1–3057) The signed letter is in the Eisenhower Library, Whitman File, International File.
3. In telegram 2139 from Karachi, February 10, Ambassador Hildreth reported that he had conveyed the substance of the views in telegram 1919 orally to the Prime Minister that day. Suhrawardy noted that the United States was putting Indian and Pakistan on the same basis, but Hildreth reminded him that “when showdown came, US had supported Pakistan.” The Prime Minister agreed that that was so, leading Hildreth to believe that he did not really object to the wording of Eisenhower’s message. (Department of State, Central Files, 690D.91/2–1057)

   On January 27, Mirza sent a cable to the President, also expressing Pakistan’s appreciation for U.S. support in the Security Council. He sent an identical cable to the Secretary of State. In telegram 1808 to Karachi, January 30, the Department transmitted a copy of Mirza’s message to the Embassy and instructed the Ambassador to convey personally to Mirza President Eisenhower’s and Dulles’ warm thanks for his thoughtfulness. (Ibid., 690D.91/1–3057)