357.AB/9–153
Memorandum of Conversation, by James M. Ludlow of the Office of United Nations Political and Security Affairs
Subject:
- Admiral Chester W. Nimitz’ Letter of Resignation as UN Plebiscite Administrator Designate for Kashmir.
Participants:
- The Secretary
- Rear Admiral Bernard L. Austin, OP 35, Office of Chief of Naval Operations
- Mr. Ludlow, UNP
Admiral Austin, at his request, called on the Secretary this morning to deliver Admiral Chester W. Nimitz’ letter of resignation as UN Plebiscite Administrator Designate for Kashmir. He stated that he was transmitting the letter at Admiral Nimitz’ personal request.
In receiving the letter, the Secretary said that he intended to write Admiral Nimitz to express the Department’s thanks. He said that the Department had felt it necessary to urge Admiral Nimitz to refrain from resigning so that he might remain as a symbol of sustained interest and hope in a solution of the Kashmir question. It fully appreciated the inconvenience and self-sacrifice which Admiral Nimitz had experienced, and appreciated his desire for a terminal date for his responsibility. Now was probably as good a time as any for his resignation since an early solution of the Kashmir question did not seem likely. He doubted that the UN would be the means of settling the [Page 1334] dispute. Direct negotiations between the two governments offered the best chance of success, and he had so told the two governments while in the Middle East this spring. He was encouraged that they were now negotiating directly. He assured Admiral Austin that the letter would be forwarded to the UN Secretary General and asked the Admiral to convey his best wishes to Admiral Nimitz for his continued good health. The Secretary concluded with the hope that the Department might feel free to call upon him at some time in the future should his services be needed.