Foreign Relations of the United States, 1951, Asia and the Pacific, Volume VI, Part 2

690D.91/8–1151: Telegram

The Secretary of State to the Embassy in Pakistan ¹

confidential

Washington, August 11, 1951—5 p. m.

164. Second Secy Fr Emb² informed Dept Aug 10 that Pakistan Amb recently requested Fr FonOff express concern to Indian Govt over recent Indo-Pakistan developments.; that Amb was told Fr had already on several occasions (unspecified) told Indian Govt of great importance they attach to peace in South Asia; that Fr Govt considering possibility joint approach by US, UK and France to both India and Pak supporting conclusions reached by Graham Mission and urging both countries implement Graham recommendations; that Brit FonOff similarly advised; and that Fr FonOff desired US and UK informal reactions to proposed joint approach.

Dept reps pointed out that Graham report might not be available before end Sep; that three Govts concerned might then find it possible agree support Graham recommendations; and that in this event joint or other approaches to India and Pak, either through UN delegations or at Karachi and New Delhi, might be considered helpful.

Second Secy informed Secy Acheson’s answer to questions Aug 8 press conference (plain tel follows)³ re US expression concern over mounting tension and (confidentially) that UK had also approached both Govts to express hope improvement Indo-Pak relations. He thought Fr might wish make similar approaches and inquired re exact suggestions already put forward by US and UK. He received no details US or UK approaches but was told Dept wld welcome consultation with Fr Govt if latter decided make similar démarche.

FYI only. Dept believes such Fr démarche may be resented by India. Emb Paris its discretion shld not encourage idea if consulted. Request London report Brit reaction re joint approach.⁴

Acheson

1. Repeated to New Delhi as telegram 356, to London as 927, and to Paris as 941.
2. Albert Fequant.
3. Telegram 165 to Karachi, August 11, not printed, contained a summary of Secretary Acheson’s comments at his press conference of August 8 to the effect that the United States had had discussions with India and Pakistan to the extent of expressing concern over mounting tension and hope that the governments could take some action to reduce it. The telegram also called attention to press reports which incorrectly stated that these discussions had taken place in Washington. (690D.91/8–1151)
4. Telegram 849 from London, August 13, reported that the British Foreign Office was also skeptical and cautious with reference to the advisability of a joint approach with France to India and Pakistan (690D.91/8–1351).