690D.91/7–3051: Telegram
The Ambassador in the United Kingdom (Gifford) to the Secretary of State
590. Deptel 44, July 19 to New York, rptd London 458, New Delhi 169, Karachi 66, Canberra 23. Following is abbreviated text FonOff letter July 28 commenting on proposals contained reftel. It should be noted this letter drafted prior despatch instructions to UKHC’s New Delhi and Karachi described Embtel 578, July 28 to Dept, rptd New Delhi 18, Karachi 18.
1. UK has grave doubts re Dept’s first proposal. Neither GOI nor Pak has asked for SC action, and we know that Pak is positively not in favor. UK fears therefore that debate this stage wld only serve as forum for protest and counterprotest by both sides. However, limited objective of resolution which might eventually be tabled, it is almost foregone conclusion that GOI wld reject it. We wld thus have achieved nothing constructive and wld have attracted further undesirable attention to SC’s lack of success in solving Kashmir dispute. Moreover, an inconclusive res now wld lessen effect of any SC action that might be contemplated when Graham has completed his mission. A further argument against SC debate at this stage is that GOI wld be almost certain in course of it justify their troop movement on ground of alleged “war-mongering” in Pak. Paks in turn wld point to Kashmir Constituent Assembly, and discussion on those lines wld lead to fundamentals of problem. Thus whole history of dispute wld be undesirably raked up again while Graham mission still in field. These objections wld apply equally to any action this stage through peace observation commission, since to bring commission into problem wld also involve debate in SC or GA.
2. Re proposal GOI and Pak accept Austral offer of good offices, although Paks have welcomed offer, Nehru reported to have rejected it already. While therefore UK wld be willing in principle join with US in discussing with Australs specific approaches to both sides, UK feels no useful purpose wld be served by any further Austral initiative at this stage.
3. UK agrees with Dept’s third proposal—to arrange informally with SYG for report on any recent troop buildup in Kashmir. Nevertheless [Page 1801] UK informed that chief UN military observer in Kashmir, reporting on recent incidents on cease-fire line there, saw nothing unusual in their occurrence and did not remark on any special troop buildup. However UK willing instruct UKUN join with USUN in acting on Dept’s proposal.
4. UK actively considering what useful action might be taken at present juncture and is in close touch with other members of Commonwealth. UK also realizes importance of maintaining close touch with US and will certainly keep it fully informed on any action which UK may take. Generally speaking, however, UK thinks there is something to be said in favor action being taken by US independently rather than jointly with UK. UK notes US Ambs New Delhi and Karachi have in fact already made urgent approaches to GOI and Pak about present tension. UK is considering similar representations which it is hoped wld further emphasize to the 2 govts the seriousness of the situation.
Dept pls inform USUN.
Rptd info New Delhi 10, Karachi [19?].