690D.91/6–151: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Embassy in the India 1
2090. Dept requests Emb approach Bajpai soonest asking fol be imparted GOI as US Govt’s attitude responding GOI views contained urtel 3452, June 1:
1. As GOI aware, US has from beginning Kashmir dispute been interested in fair settlement acceptable both parties. On Feb 21, US Rep SC stated there can be no real and lasting settlement Kashmir dispute which is not acceptable both parties. He rptd this statement May 29 adding “Any attempt to decide the issue without consent of both parties wld only leave a constant and explosive irritant in relations between these two govts, an irritant which wld effectively prevent the bringing about of peace and security in South Asia.” This policy has been, as GOI aware, basis US efforts over past 3½ years assists in bringing about settlement this issue.
2. In view this basic attitude it shld not be surprising to GOI that US views with deep concern Yuvaraj proclamation May 1 convoking Kashmir Constituent Assembly and provocative statements Sheikh Abdullah Feb 25, May 3, June 2 to effect Constituent Assembly will decide accession question. This concern is further deepened by remarks Bajpai that Constituent Assembly to be convened with full GOI approval and Assembly wld have right voice opinion on question accession. US views on this pt have been fully explained US Rep SC. US, however, desires pt out again its views as expressed by US Amb Gross to SC May 29, “It wld appear to my Govt that, if the GOI permits the convening of this Constituent Assembly at this time, it wld not be adhering fully to spirit of its commitment as accepted in res 13 Aug 1948 so firmly proclaimed as a foundation of India’s position by Sir Benegal Rau at the SC mtgs on this matter, and again reaffirmed by Rep of India at the mtg today.”
[Page 1772]3. The US wishes to reassure GOI it deplores irresponsible appeals to force to settle Kashmir issue, and has publicly stated its views SC on Mar 21 this pt as fol: “The GOP and the GOI have both condemned appeals to force to settle Kashmir dispute which have been made by irresponsible and intemperate elements. Contd efforts by the parties to discourage such appeals to force will help ensure and maintain an atmosphere which is favorable to promoting further negots and to refrain from action likely to prejudice a peaceful settlement.”
US believes it pertinent pt out, however, that convoking Constituent Assembly is not type action which will restrain irresponsible statements on part Pak natls.
4. US believes India and Pak have continuing responsibility to work wholeheartedly with UN in effort to arrive at fair settlement this issue acceptable to both. We do not believe partial rejection GOI Mar 30 SC res absolves GOI from its responsibilities to work for fair and mutually acceptable settlement Kashmir dispute.
Re GOI attitude toward visit new UN Rep (para 7, reftel): Dr. Graham is distinguished and outstanding Amer cit made available to serve UN and parties by US Govt. As a rep of UN charged with a mission which is of vital importance to India and Pak, this Govt and US people wld find it difficult understand if GOI were not to accord Dr. Graham recognition due Rep UN.
- Repeated to Karachi as telegram 845, to London as 6698, and to New York as 973.↩