690D.91/8–851: Telegram
The Chargé in the United Kingdom (Holmes) to the Secretary of State
760. Deptel 76, Aug 6 to USUN, rptd London 823, New Delhi 303, Karachi 144, Canberra 38. At FonOff yesterday Emb Off reviewed Kashmir question with desk officer immed concerned along lines reftel. Fol are his preliminary reactions:
Re para 2 reftel. FonOff and CRO have very much in mind personal appeal by Attlee to good sense of Nehru and Liaquat, but feel this appeal shld be held in reserve for present. UKG concurs, however, Attlee appeal shld not be delayed if it appears events moving toward crisis. Dept of course aware Attlee in Norway.
[Page 1812]Re para 3: FonOff has now recd from UKUN expression Dept’s views as expressed Deptel 76 to USUN. Tentative reaction in FonOff–CRO remains as reported Embtel 718, Aug 31 to Dept.
Re para 4: FonOff thinking in accord with that of Dept. FonOff–CRO have discarded any idea of attempting involve Graham in troop movements. Be possible use of observers, UKG has recd no further comment from New Delhi or Karachi to “personal suggestions” by UKHCs that UN observers be sent to Punjab frontier (Embtel 660, Aug 1, rptd New Delhi 21, Karachi 21).2 FonOff will ask CRO for estimate for observers needed on borders in danger areas; if CRO unable supply estimate it will consult UKHCs New Delhi and Karachi.
Re para 5: FonOff concurs as short term objective desirability bring Liaquat and Nehru together in order effect cessation propaganda and withdrawal of troops, but wld prefer await result present exchange communications between two PriMins. FonOff points out, however, Garner did not actually extend offer of good offices (New Delhi’s 418, July 30);2 he merely said it might be good idea if PriMins got together and mentioned as his own view his govt wld support such a move. This being the case it might prove difficult fol up such a tentative and informal suggestion.
FonOff desk officer thought it might now be possible fol up suggestion re use of observers but it wld of course be necessary consult CRO.
EmbOff will renew discussion question at first opportunity and will report any developments.
Dept may wish inform USUN and Canberra.
Sent Dept 760, rptd info New Delhi 25, Karachi 24.