357.AB/2–1350: Telegram

The Secretary of State to the Embassy in the United Kingdom 1

secret

672. Pls deliver fol msg to Bevin from Secy:

“As you know SC consideration of the Kashmir case has now reached a stage in which Council members will have to take affirmative action. We visualize the development through consultations among Council members in the next week of mutually acceptable principles which wld thereafter provide a basis for a resolution to be submitted jointly by as many members as practicable, including, of course the U.K. and the U.S.

I had hoped that in view of Gen. McNaughton’s close connection with the case he might be persuaded to serve as a focal point for these consultations and as a channel for transmitting the resulting conclusions as recommendations for Council action. However, I now understand that the Canadian Govt is reluctant to have him accept this responsibility.

In this situation it seems to me that for various reasons the U.K. as the senior member of the Commonwealth is in the best position to take the necessary leadership in the consultations in New York to work out a practical program of action for the Council. We will, of course, continue to work closely with your delegation and cooperate fully in developing a joint plan. I sincerely hope that Sir Alexander Cadogan will be in a position to take the initiative in carrying forward these consultations.”

Acheson
  1. Repeated to New Delhi 140, Karachi 94, USUN 69.