690D.91/6–951: Telegram
The Ambassador in India (Henderson) to the Secretary of State
3561. I imparted to Bajpai today info of US views re Kashmir set forth Deptel 2090, June 7. Bajpai listened courteously and made point-by-point replies which most part mere repetition of statement made to us on previous occasion. Substance his reply as fols:
1. Not only US Govt but every well-intentioned govt including GOI wld like “fair settlement acceptable both parties”. Unfortunately prospect such settlement not bright just now. Strict adherence this formula overlooks fact GOI and GOP not in same position re Kashmir. GOP’s present position Kashmir based on aggression fruits of which it wld like expand.
2. GOI cannot accept US view that if it permits Constituent Assembly it wld not be adhering fully to spirit its commitments to UN. Convening Constituent Assembly and action taken by that assembly can in no way affect GOI pledge re holding plebiscite terms of which [Page 1773] agreeable to India and Pak in order determine future Kashmir. Kashmir at present integral part India. GOI therefore cannot discriminate against people Kashmir by refusing allow them elect their own Constituent Assembly which can determine form their govt. If subsequently agreement can be reached between India and Pak with regard to plebiscite, plebiscite can be held regardless what Constituent Assembly may meantime have decided or recommended. People Kashmir have had no constitutional form govt for 3½ years. It wld not be fair deprive them of constitutional govt in future merely because Pak will not agree to plebiscite on terms acceptable to India.
3. GOI not happy re statement made by US re in SC on March 21, to effect that efforts by both GOP and GOI to discourage appeals to force in settlement Kashmir dispute will help insure atmosphere favorable to peaceful settlement. GOI believes this statement bracketing GOP and GOI infers that there is equal amount warmongering on both countries. There are practically no threats of resort to violence in Ind press except in response to threats being made in Pak where as not only Pak press but also polit leaders continually threatening to use force.
Furthermore GOI believe that fact it is in Kashmir stirs Pak press and nationals to talk of jehad rather than acts such as convoking Constituent Assembly. So long as GOI in Kashmir, GOP likely complain re every important action taken either by GOI or by Abdullah’s govt.
4. GOI still willing work for fair mutually acceptable settlement Kashmir dispute but it cannot accept res March 30. It will receive Dr. Graham courteously as distinguished US citizen and UK rep. It prepared discuss with him its views re Kashmir but not deal with him in manner which wld indicate that it accepts this resolution.
Rptd Karachi unnumbered.