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

58. Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in Pakistan¹

Washington, June 29, 1957—1:33 p.m.

3460. Following consists summaries two memos conversation approved by Secretary and Rountree being pouched addressees:

During extended conversation with Secretary June 18² Pakistan Foreign Minister Noon urged US support Pakistan efforts Kashmir forthcoming Security Council discussions.

Noon stressed Pakistan’s aim move ahead demilitarization to ultimate plebiscite and to this end wanted Security Council instruct Dr. Graham continue where he left off in 1953. Noon strongly opposed British proposal that fact-finding mission determine whether parties had carried out provisions Part I UNCIP resolutions.³

Secretary replied along following lines: He impressed Pakistan’s willingness arbitrate but questioned whether it would get us anywhere show up opposite attitude India. He felt we should exhaust every possibility for settlement and not exclude any proposed resolution solely on basis it probably would be vetoed by Soviet Union. He believed Soviets would probably veto anything of substance but it might be good idea let Indians know matters could not drift indefinitely. He doubted Indians would like be in position of depending again on Soviet veto. We would naturally have to consult with UK on possible future courses of action. Secretary emphasized he was speaking in broad generalities which were hard to translate into action. There might be very little we could do but we would certainly try to think of some meaningful action.

In response previous suggestion by Noon that American aid to India be used as lever to pressure Nehru into abiding by Security Council decisions Secretary strongly emphasized difficulties and disadvantages attaching political conditions US economic aid.

Noon in subsequent conversation June 22 with Assistant Secretary Rountree was given orally substance our suggested modifications of Pakistan proposed draft resolution⁴ as well as substance possible alternative resolution. It was emphasized these were tentative suggestions and we desired time additional consideration and consultations with USUN and UK. Noon indicated he would discuss US suggestions with Prime Minister Suhrawardy upon his return to London.⁵

Henderson

1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 690D.91/6–2957. Secret. Drafted by Collins, cleared with UNP, and approved by Rountree. Also sent to London, New Delhi, and USUN.
2. A memorandum of this conversation, drafted by Withers, is ibid., 690D.91/6–1857.
3. Part I of the UNCIP resolutions of both August 13, 1948 (U.N. doc. S/995), and January 5, 1949 (U.N. doc. S/1196), concerned implementation of a cease-fire in Kashmir.
4. Both the proposed Pakistani draft resolution and the suggested U.S. modifications of it are attached to the memorandum of conversation by David Bane of the Office of United Nations Political and Security Affairs, June 22. (Department of State, Central Files, 690D.91/6–2257)
5. During the Secretary’s Staff Meeting of June 21, Assistant Secretary Rountree stated that it was likely that Foreign Minister Noon would not like the U.S. position on Pakistan’s proposed draft resolution. The problem for the United States, Rountree remarked, was to keep the issue alive and not let it become apparent that the United Nations would be impotent to settle the Kashmir problem since the consequence would be war. (Ibid., S/S Files: Lot 63 D 75, Records of the Secretary’s Staff Meetings)