Kashmir Dispute: U.S. Secretary of State to U.S. Legation in Afghanistan, February 3, 1948

745F.90H/1-1948 Telegram

The [US] Secretary of State to the [US] Legation in Afghanistan

SECRET - WASHINGTON, February 3, 1948-6 p.m.

        32. Re breakdown [of] Pakistan Afghan negotiations (London 198 Jan 19 rptd Karachi 9 and Kabul 3), and Afghan letter to SC requesting active Afghan participation in any SC discussions [of] tribal aspect [of] Kashmir case (Deptel 26 Jan 24 rptd London 240 Karachi 26 New Delhi 51)[,] it may be useful [to] express current Dept thinking on tribal problem to guide informal conversations with foreign officials that may take place at posts to which this message [is] sent.

        (1) It is of utmost importance for peace and prosperity [of] South Asia that Afghanistan and Pakistan maintain relations characterized by mutual trust and cooperation. Present unrest in area arising in large part out of transfer [of] power from British to local hands can be alleviated only if responsible political leaders in region exercise restraint and patience, and realize that South Asian peoples can through [their] own efforts best attain [a] maximum degree [of] security and prosperity.

        (2) In light foregoing hope Pakistan and Afghanistan will reach [an] agreement [to] exchange regular diplomatic representatives without prejudice to, and in order that they may through this normal channel discuss, tribal and other questions [of] mutual concern.

        (3) Both Afghanistan and Pakistan have essential interest in tribal activities and welfare. High officials [of] both govts. have informed US officials of projected plans for social and economic advancement [of] tribes. Implementation [of] such plans with resultant eventual elimination conditions fostering tribal unrest appears [to] offer best solution [to] frontier security problem now troubling both countries. Geographic distribution of tribes points to joint Afghan Pakistan approach[,] and we hope both govts. will follow policy [of] frank consultation and cooperation re tribal problem.

        (4) Re Afghan letter to SC present effort SC should be concentrated on peaceful resolution status [of] Kashmir and injection tribal issue in its broader aspects would only confuse what is already [an] extremely complicated and delicate problem. We trust Af Govt will pursue request for participation only if its interests [are] seriously involved and that in [the] latter case its intervention would be restricted to matters directly pertinent to Kashmir case.

        Sent to Kabul, rptd to Karachi 35 New Delhi 75 London 351.

        MARSHALL

From: US Department of the State. Foreign Relations of the United States, 1948. Volume V, part 1. Washington DC: Government Printing Office, 1975, 294-295.