Foreign Relations of the United States, 1952–1954, Africa and South Asia, Volume XI, Part 2

357.AB/3–2954: Telegram

The Secretary of State to the United States Mission at the United Nations¹

confidential
urgent

Washington, March 29, 1954—6:57 p.m.

448. US observers in Kashmir. Urtel 540² reporting Secretary General’s decision to request “no expediting of our US replacements” indicates Secretary General appears decided reduce number of or replace all US observers. This confirms line taken in his notes to USUN of March 10.

Our thinking has moved in same direction. Menon’s approach to Lodge and Pillai’s call on Allen (New Delhi’s 1450 passed to USUN, repeated Karachi 204, to London 269)³ have brought new element in problem since Indians have now directly requested US take action toward withdrawal US observers.

Request you approach Hammarskjold along following lines:

1. Submit to him written aide-mémoire reading: “US Representative to UN presents his compliments to Secretary General and wishes acknowledge receipt of two notes dated March 10, 1954 concerning completion of tours of duty of Major Dean M. Bressler and Thomas H. White, members of UN Military Observer Group in India and Pakistan. US Representative to UN notes Secretary General’s advice that no replacement for these two officers will be required at this time.

“US Representative wishes confirm that US Government shares with Secretary General his concern in maintaining effective UN observation system and desires to uphold authority of Secretary General necessary for organizing and maintaining such system.

“With respect to statement of Prime Minister Nehru of India on March 1, concerning US members of UN Military Observer Group in India and Pakistan, US rejects as entirely unfounded any implication of lack of impartiality on part of these members. In view of US Government it is within authority of Secretary General to determine what steps, if any, are necessary in matter. US remains ready at all times to cooperate with Secretary General in every way in spirit of principles and purposes of UN Charter.”

2. Orally, confidentially and off record, you should inform Hammarskjold we desire him know we seriously concerned over effect this issue on US–Indian relations. We have had high-level approaches by Indians indicating on one hand their determination press matter and on other their desire find some way out. We cannot see how our observers could continue perform their duties effectively without cooperation and good will both parties and in face possible harassment and danger of incidents. No US national interest would be served by maintaining these observers Kashmir. For these reasons, we would like see them gradually replaced by observers of other nationalities within next few months in manner not impairing UN observation system.

We are taking steps withdraw US airplane from Kashmir as suggested by Secretariat. We also shall not send replacements for four observers mentioned urtel 540. One US observer (Major Clark) who earlier received Indian visa and who scheduled leave for Kashmir will not be sent into area pending further advice from Secretary General.

3. If Hammarskjold agrees, we would like advise Indians that while we recognize it is up to Secretary General to make decision we made it clear to him we have no interest in maintaining our observers in Kashmir provided effectiveness present system in Kashmir remains unimpaired.

Dulles

1. This telegram was repeated for information to Karachi as 822, to London by pouch, and to New Delhi as 1126 with the addition of the following sentence: “You will be advised of Hammarskjold’s response and on action you should take.”
2. Dated Mar. 27, not printed.
3. Dated Mar. 20, p. 1350.