501.BC Kashmir/7-2748: Telegram

        The United States Representative on the United Nations Commission for India and Pakistan (Huddle) to the [US] Secretary of State

[Extracts]

SECRET - NEW DELHI, July 27, 1948-1 p.m.

        617. Comkas 16 July 23. Mohammed Ali and Ayub despatched Delhi by GOP response [that] Commission's request reported no significant changes [of the] GOP standpoint reported Comkas 14. Formal statement [of] GOI conditions cease-fire expected shortly. Informally Nehru has indicated these will include (1) formula establishing Pakistan guilt (2) withdrawal [of] Pakistan troops [in] Kashmir (3) Indian army to stand proximately [on] present line plus Domel area considered strategically essential by GOI (4) Kashmir territory evacuated [by] Pakistan troops to be administered [to] local authorities, but theoretically remaining part [of] Kashmir until final settlement.

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        On eve [of] departure [of Commission] for Karachi [it] must be stated [that] situation has not been appreciably building up to such extent as to forecast satisfactory constructive decisions. Extended conversations with Indian officials and others give no indication [of] possible withdrawal [of] their self-righteous intransigent stand, nor has press at any time reflected any inclination toward modification. Official and public attitude that Commission is here on sufferance and is more or less under tutelage and benevolent guidance [of] Indian authority is being jealously maintained. Weather is undoubtedly causing let-up [of] activities [in] several Kashmir fronts notwithstanding which Indian press continues public official communiqués [about] local engagements. Chief of Staff reliably quoted to contrary effect that he [was] quite uninterested in Kashmir front for least two months to come as activity [is] practically impossible. To check actual situation and as first step [in] undertaking something like productive activity [in] Kashmir, Commission dispatched observer team consisting [of] Smith, Harry Graeffe, accompanied [by] Symonds, which departed Delhi July 27 seven day trip [to] Indian side [of] Kashmir front to study and report military situation. Indian army arranging visits [to] Jammu City, Jhangar, Naoshera, Punch, Chakothi, Baramula, Uri, Tithwal, Srinagar.

        Commission proceeding Karachi July 30 for conversations and investigations expected last one week or ten days, expecting thereafter [to] go to Srinagar via New Delhi.

        [HUDDLE]

From: US Department of State. Foreign Relations of the United States, 1948. Volume V, part 1. Washington DC: Government Printing Office, 1975, 358.