52. Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in Pakistan1
2116. Please transmit following confidential reply from the President to Prime Minister Suhrawardy in response his message of February 13 on Kashmir:2
“Dear Mr. Prime Minister:
“Thank you very much for your message of February thirteenth. I am aware of your deep interest in the problem of Kashmir and of your hopes, which I share, for a settlement within the framework of the United Nations.
“The United States, along with other Security Council members, has assumed an active role in the Council’s current discussions of Kashmir in an effort to assist the parties toward a satisfactory settlement. The five-power resolution of January twenty-fourth, which the Council approved, was a step in this direction. Our resolution of February fourteenth, which we submitted along with the Governments of the United Kingdom, Australia and Cuba, was, [Page 128] in our view, the most constructive step the Council could have taken at this time. Unfortunately, the Soviet Union, disregarding the wishes of the majority of the Council, vetoed it. Despite the action of the Soviet Union, I believe the subsequent action of the Council on February twenty-first, in authorizing its President to confer with the parties, represents a forward step.
“The United Nations has an obligation to continue to strive for a just solution of this issue. The United States has consistently supported its efforts and shall continue to do so.
“Sincerely, Dwight D. Eisenhower”
Embassy Note.
In transmitting message to Prime Minister Embassy should emphasize US desire text message remain confidential and expects GOP will take necessary precautions to prevent any leaks this exchange correspondence to press. Signed text being pouched.