87. Telegram From the Embassy in India to the Department of State1
2351. M.J. Desai has privately informed me that a new crisis in Pak-India relationship may soon erupt in area of Kutch.
According to his report number of Pak police, perhaps company or two, have taken possession of old fort several miles within established Indo-Pak border. Desai stated that border in this area is based on agreements made many years before partition and is clearly marked by high ground on Pak side and desert on India side. Consequently in his view there could be no possibility of mistake.
In answer to my question as to why Paks would be interested in occupying exposed desert fort on Indian territory, Desai suggested that prospects for oil in this region are excellent and Paks may be preparing to stake out their claim.
I expressed hope that Indians would use greatest care in dealing with situation since any incident might readily escalate to which Desai agreed.
Although we have no way accurately to assess this, Embassy Karachi should know about it. Desai spoke to me in confidence and it is therefore essential that my source be protected.
- Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1964–66, POL 32–1 INDIA–PAK. Secret; Priority. Repeated to Karachi.↩