Foreign Relations of the United States, 1964–1968, Volume XXV, South Asia

189. Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in India¹

Washington, September 6, 1965, 2:22 p.m.

359. You are requested to seek appointment at highest possible level to convey following views of USG:

(1) The United States is deeply concerned by the growing escalation of the fighting between India and Pakistan. We cannot believe that these two great nations wish to hurl themselves into disaster which threatens them as a result of present developments.

(2) Also of great concern is danger of involvement (politically and or militarily) of Communist Chinese. Continuation of conflict likely plunge India more deeply into cross currents of cold war and internal Communist bloc conflicts. Chicoms will be certain winners; it difficult see how either India or Pakistan could benefit regardless of outcome.

(3) If there is to be any chance of averting immediate prospect of sheer disaster for both India and Pakistan, it is extremely important that UNSC appeals be honored by both.

(4) We therefore earnestly appeal to GOI to accept the call of the United Nations Secretary General and the Security Council for an immediate cease fire and withdrawal of all armed personnel.

(5) We are addressing similar appeal to Pakistan for cease fire in accordance with call of SYG and Security Council.

Rusk

1. Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1964–66, POL 32–1 INDIA–PAK. Secret; Immediate. Drafted by Schneider; cleared by Talbot, Sisco, Kearney, Lang (DOD/ISA) and Komer; and approved and initialed by Rusk. Repeated to Karachi, London, Rawalpindi, Ankara, Tehran, USUN, CINCSTRIKE/ CINCMEAFSA, Paris for the Under Secretary, and DOD.