Kashmir Dispute: U.S. Secretary of State to U.S. Embassy in India, December 31, 1947

745.45F/12-2947  Telegram

The Acting [US] Secretary of State to the [US] Embassy in India

SECRET - US URGENT - NIACT- WASHINGTON, December 31, 1947-6 p.m.

        Reference [to] Bajpai's statement urtel 1162 Dee 29 that "GOI troops might be compelled [to] enter Pakistan" notwithstanding expected reference [to the] Kashmir problem by India to UN, please convey urgently in person to FonMin Nehru by formal note following views [of] US Gov't (London's 6668 Dee 30):

        "The US as a firm friend of both India and Pakistan regrets that they have been unable by direct negotiation to solve the Kashmir problem. It now appears that the UNSC will soon be seized of this issue. USG will respond fully to its obligations as a member of [the] SC to assist in the attainment of an early and peaceful settlement. We are certain that such a settlement can be achieved only if, during the critical period when this question is under SC consideration, the GOP will not only restrain from taking any provocative action, but will also restrain those irresponsible elements on both sides who are not alive to the grave consequences of their actions. We fear that [to] precipitate action by either Govt. at this stage would seriously jeopardize the international goodwill and prestige which it now enjoys.

        For your information an identic message is being delivered to the (GOP) [and] (GOI)."

        Karachi to present identic[al] Note to GOP FonMin and cable urgently all available info. GOP [on] this subject.

        Karachi and Delhi requested [to] inform Brit[ish] colleagues in confidence of action taken.

        LOVETT

From: US Department of State.  Foreign Relations of the United States, 1947.  Volume III.  Washington, DC: Government Printing Office, 1972, 192-193.