690D.91/1–2953: Telegram
The Ambassador in India (Bowles) to the Department of State
3020. Sir Girja Bajpai arrived in Delhi yesterday for discussions with Nehru and associates on handling Kashmir case at Geneva. Sir Girja called and requested private talk outside office. We met my house and talked hour and one half. Sir Girja stated he had been over Kashmir situation fully with Prime Minister and others and was clear that within limitations likely to be laid down at Geneva he believed solution impossible. Bajpai implied he would like make concession on Azad-Kashmir troops but he has been overruled. He stated discussions in Government India inevitably return to what Nehru and other Government [Page 1312] India officials believe to be fundamental point, i.e., India’s prior rights in Kashmir on basis of accession by Maharaja and acceptance by Viceroy.
He stated only hope he could see for solution on Kashmir was completely new proposal. I asked if he referring specifically to modified Dixon proposal which he and I have discussed on many occasions. He stated this still seemed to him only basis for progress.
Then told me in great confidence with specific request I inform no one that it his personal view Kashmir case should be sent World Court for clarification. He said either India was right as to her legal rights in Kashmir or she was wrong and if it were authoritatively established she were right not only would India’s position be clarified but solution might be more readily forthcoming.
I asked him if he felt absolutely confident India would win case before World Court and he answered he did not see how India could possibly lose but if she did he felt Government of India should accept result and proceed from that point.
Sir Girja seemed as ever well aware of strategic importance of Kashmir and that inability to find solution is blocking not only economic development this whole area but also political stabilization and military defense.
He can be counted on better than any one else in Government of India honestly to seek basis for agreement at Geneva. But he will be closely bound by instructions and they in turn will be deeply rooted in Government of India conviction that it can not deviate from position it has taken as to validity of its rights in Kashmir.
Bajpai told me that Sheikh Abdullah would be happy with almost any solution as he was under very great pressure and that freedom with which he discussed situation had caused some concern in government circles. This borne later in day by Lady Stafford Cripps who described her discussions with Sheikh Abdullah.
Sir Girja stated he was tired of his job as Governor and anxious for more active role. Stated was possibility he might go United Nations as permanent delegate.