690D.91/4–551: Telegram
The Ambassador in India (Henderson) to the Secretary of State
2691. 1. Problem Kashmir arose during talk yesterday with Bajpai. I asked if he had further info re what India’s attitude wld be towards those portions UN res to which it had no objection. He said far as he knew no decision yet taken this regard.
2. I remarked PriMin’s utterances re res seemed rather bitter. Some them questioned motives US and UK. I sincerely hoped for good both US and India and in interest world peace Nehru wld not permit irritation at US attitude re Kashmir adversely affect gen attitude toward US. I knew my govt disliked take position re Kashmir not pleasing to India. It was convinced, however, that if it did not no hope for solution Kashmir problem foreseeable future and consequent deterioration polit and econ situation SOA. No Asian country with which my govt more anxious have close and friendly relations than India. If my govt playing power politics it wld have given India full support in Kashmir dispute. It was, however, approaching problem with sincere desire support principles UN and find settlement fair to all parties concerned incl people Kashmir. My govt anxious that differences between it and India arising over Kashmir not spread other aspects US-Ind relations. During recent years many differences between US and UK yet both govts thru wise leadership successful preventing these differences from coloring their gen relations.
3. Bajpai said he shared my hope but as I cld understand he cld not predict precisely what PriMin might do. Kashmir problem fraught with emotion.
4. Bajpai said he wished again mention matter he had discussed with me previously. Our gen relations were constantly receiving set backs because tendency US not to consult with India re contemplated actions of great importance to Asia. For instance, US had recently submitted to UK proposed draft for treaty with Japan which UK had passed along to India for comment. GOI wld prefer discussing matters this kind direct with US rather than through UK. Although India member Commonwealth it was not UK dependency.
[Page 1765]5. I told Bajpai I did not know precisely why draft this agreement submitted India thru UK. It was possible that arrangement made whereby UK wld discuss draft with members Commonwealth and US wld discuss various other countries. If so I was sure arrangement merely for purposes of convenience and not with idea members Commonwealth in UK sphere of influence.