357.AB/8–2351: Telegram
The Ambassador in India (Henderson) to the Secretary of State
707. Emb appreciates logic Dept comments Deptel 378, August 15 particularly re separation troop movements and Kashmir dispute in order not prejudice Graham efforts demilitarization.
To obviate any possible misunderstanding its suggestions para 3 Embtel 478, August 3 and Embtel 495, August 4, Emb wishes make clear:
- (1)
- They were intended for use as a whole;
- (2)
- But only in event (a) current (troop movement) tension shld take critical turn threatening war and break down Graham efforts, or (b) Graham efforts shld themselves break down. In either event, we believe situation wld have to be regarded of such seriousness as to require new effort or approach to avoid possible disaster.
At time ref cables it seemed possible Nehru–Liaquat exchanges might degenerate into real crisis. This immed prospect passed but tension persists and possibility explosion being touched off remains [Page 1822] (note Lahore 13 August 17 to Karachi, passed Delhi as Deptel 418, August 21),1 as well as likelihood renewal tension Sept incident to carrying out Const Assembly plans Kashmir before Graham mission reports back.
Emb believes new approach shld be ready for use in event seriously critical situation does develop. It is our impression Graham, if his mission shld fail or seem certain do so, wld himself be willing consider new approach, and we believe that it wld be preferable, from many points view, that he—rather than some third nation—shld handle. It is Emb’s belief Graham is building great personal prestige which wld be of high value in event critical turn.
- Not printed.↩