80. Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in Pakistan0

1280. New Delhi’s 19191 repeated Karachi 144 and USUN 102. In view of GOI’s expected invitation to GOP to hold discussions as a first step toward Nehru-Ayub meeting Department believes GOP has good reason reconsider intention to take up Kashmir question in UN January 17. If GOP’s reason for taking Kashmir issue to UN is to pressure India into bilateral talks (Karachi’s 1096 to Department,2 32 to USUN and 176 to New Delhi) this apparent willingness by India to initiate bilateral discussions presumably removes need for such pressure.

You should see Ayub soonest and, referring to Ayub’s conversation with President, President’s conversations with Nehru, and Rountree-[Page 167]Galbraith conversations with Ayub, inform Ayub Galbraith has had further conversations with Nehru and Desai which give us reason believe Indians intend take initiative leading to bilateral Ministerial discussions.

You may tell Ayub that as friend of Pakistan we are taking it upon ourselves to relay our understanding that Indians are prepared hold discussions because we believe if initiative materializes this would be most promising means starting bilateral negotiations. We also wish suggest that if Kashmir case is introduced at UN January 17 prospects of successful talks may be seriously affected. You may also wish to remind Ayub that in our opinion he cannot expect any constructive action out of SC. Therefore we are constrained to inquire whether, in light of Ambassador Galbraith’s report, he would re-examine his intentions to go to UN in January.

In conclusion you may wish point out that expected move by GOI appears to be result of efforts made by President Kennedy following Kennedy-Ayub talks in July; and you may express our earnest hope that Ayub will take full advantage of this welcome development.

Rusk
  1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 690D.91/12-2861. Secret; Priority; Limit Distribution. Drafted in SOA by Weil, Horgan, and Henry W. Spielman; cleared with Sisco and McGeorge Bundy; and approved by Talbot.
  2. In telegram 1919 from New Delhi, December 28, Galbraith reported that the arrangements to initiate direct discussions between India and Pakistan, which were outlined in telegram 1918 from New Delhi (Document 79), had been confirmed by the Ministry of External Affairs. (Department of State, Central Files, 690D.91/12-2861)
  3. Dated December 28. (Ibid.)