690D.91/7–2754: Telegram
The Chargé in Pakistan (Emmerson) to the Department of State1
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94. Foreign Minister asked UK High Commissioner and myself call this afternoon to give us confidential summary Nehru–Ali talks Kashmir. Zafrulla began saying he had sad duty to report a failure.
First day meeting characterized by lengthy historical monologue by Nehru which began pre-Alexander Great had not reached British period by end day. References Kashmir emphasized cultural unity deprecated possibilities of division. Second day discussion on more practical plane with Nehru mentioning alternatives: Independence all Kashmir, independence valley, overall and regional plebiscites. Nehru ruled out first two. Pakistani Prime Minister then offered paper as basis discussion which showed agreements already reached and points remaining for settlement. Nehru asked for copy to study.
At this morning’s meeting Nehru made no reference to Pakistani paper and after referring to many difficulties inherent in various possible courses, expressed view it might be better maintain status quo which seemed be working quite well. Mohammad Ali said this quite unacceptable to Pakistan.
Cabinet meeting followed morning discussion. Prime Minister report roused great indignation part members but after heated discussion, all agreed advisable course would be avoid break and agree further discussions should Nehru desire. It seems likely therefore that Prime [Page 1325] Minister will go to Delhi probably late August. Cabinet agreed do all possible keep public opinion calm and prevent “ebullience”.
Nehru is holding press conference today and communiqué will be issued. Effect on public opinion will depend to large degree on Nehru’s statements and tone of communiqué.
Foreign Minister also told UK High Commissioner and myself he had discussed Kashmir with N. R. Pillai on basis their long personal friendship. Pillai said Nehru alone dealt with Kashmir question and neither he nor anyone else knew his mind on it. Zafrulla emphasized to Pillai importance to two countries of agreement, enabling both to reduce defense expenditures and work out common defense policy, and warned of dangers should hot heads in Pakistan become aroused. He cited as example what could happen Punjab disturbances of few months ago.
Zafrulla says no progress has been made on evacuee property or other issues. Nehru in vague way proposed to Mohammad Ali that two countries should work more closely together in foreign affairs matters but dropped matter before any concrete suggestion emerged.
UK High Commissioner and I expressed gratitude to Foreign Minister for giving us this information (which he said he was doing before press reports appeared and before reports were made to Pakistani embassies abroad) and said we were sure both our governments would receive news with most profound disappointment. He knew of interest of our government and hope that understanding could be reached by friendly discussion between leaders and therefore would understand great disappointment at outcome he had described.
I believe much will depend on public handling of talks in both countries. News bound to leak from Cabinet members and danger is that press will reverse friendly tone of past days and begin vituperative campaign which can only have unfortunate consequences. One hopes Cabinet can restrain discussion and keep door open for future meetings although prospects progress appear dim indeed.
- This telegram was repeated for information to London and New Delhi.↩