93. Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in India0
2383. Deliver following to MEA soonest for Nehru.
Begin verbatim text:
“Dear Mr. Prime Minister: You know of my deep concern over relations between Pakistan and India and my firm conviction that peace and progressive development for the people of Asia require a resolution of problems as between these two countries. These problems, and particularly that of Kashmir, are difficult. But in the last fifteen years numerous and important issues between Pakistan and India have been resolved. It would surely be a tragic error of pessimism to assume that nothing can ever be accomplished on the one major problem that now remains. Above all it would be a misfortune if the search for solution by the statesmen most concerned were at any stage to be impeded by the desire of anyone else to exploit controversy for its own sake.
In recent months I have talked with the leaders of both countries. It is my sincere belief, influenced I do not doubt by my feelings of friendship for both heads of state, that a real possibility of accommodation does exist. This possibility will not be served by public debate and recrimination. It can be served by patient and continuing discussion and negotiation. In this effort the United States willingly proposes the services of a good and sympathetic friend. We have a deep and active concern for the peace and development of both countries and we cannot be without interest in the external dangers which they face in common. So I am writing to inquire whether you would be willing to request a trusted friend of both countries—I have in mind Mr. Eugene Black of the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development, who would be prepared to respond to such a request—to explore with each head of government the outlines and prospects for negotiations and discussions which hopefully might lead to a final resolution of this troubled and contentious matter. If you agree to this approach, I would, of course, expect that other steps which would work against, rather than for, a solution—including an appeal to the Security Council of the United Nations—would be suspended. And I would also hope that, in a spirit of reconciliation, responsible [Page 195] leaders on both sides might avoid work or action that would be prejudicial to the settlement we seek.
I am sending a letter in similar terms to President Ayub.1
Sincerely, John F. Kennedy”