690D.91/7–2751: Telegram
The Ambassador in India (Henderson) to the Secretary of State
383. General Devers1 called today and was shown copies Embtel 370, July 26 rptd Karachi 25, London 21; also Karachi’s 14, July 26.2
Devers commented very briefly and guardedly upon Graham’s talks with PriMin Nehru and GOI as fol: PriMin has thus far been very frank, friendly and cooperative and he (Devers) was inclined to feel optimistic about possibilities of making progress even though nothing positive had yet developed. He thought that further conference this afternoon might reveal how matters wld go. Impression had been gained that PriMin was under such pressure from internal problems, particularly within Cong Party that he might be inclined to be willing to find satisfactory formula for solution Kashmir problem.
General Devers discussed conversations he had had with several GOI officials including Iengar, Secy Home Ministry responsible for internal security. Iengar gave him picture of disturbing internal security situation. General felt it was of such gravity as to influence govt toward desire for settlement Kashmir. General remarked he had given Iengar his frank opinion that if Graham mission was not successful there was grave danger war between Pak and India. His opinion based mainly upon inflamed state of mind Pakistani public (to be distinguished from armed forces at border) and the likelihood that tension wld increase and possibly get out of hand unless relations with India cld be improved.
Devers likewise had impression that Bajpai was endeavoring to be helpful to Graham mission although he noted Bajpai deferred entirely to PriMin for statement of Ind views whenever PriMin was participant in conversation.
Rptd info London 22, Karachi 26.