690D.91/9–353: Telegram
The Ambassador in Pakistan (Hildreth) to the Department of State1
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196. Called to Prime Ministers who, in obvious great distress and concern, showed me telegrams Foreign Office had received from Pakistan Embassy Washington advising Nimitz resignation received by Department and forwarded to USUN. Prime Minister position has already been weakened, as we have advised (Embtel 172)2 and only yesterday in radio fireside chat he emphatically stated he had not approved any suggestion for substitute for Nimitz. He is now greatly concerned that Nimitz resignation will cause public to brand him liar and become convinced he has made secret deal with Nehru. Prime [Page 1335] Minister implores us to urge Secretary personally to request Nimitz not to resign at present moment and to do everything possible to avoid any leaks of his intention resign.
I believe Prime Minister analysis correct and concern justified. Furthermore, Nimitz resignation will almost certainly be construed in Pakistan as United States surrender to Nehru pressure. In fact, Cabinet Secretary informs us government official who has seen telegrams has himself accused State Department of complicity with Nehru.
I believe effect on Prime Minister own future will be extremely serious not to mention disastrous consequences to further Indo Pakistan talks and to any settlement Kashmir problem and present Pakistan goodwill to United States. I urge Department to do everything possible prevent this from happening.