07111947 The Text of Letter dated November 7, 1947from the U.K. High Commissioner in Karachi to the Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Common-Wealth Relations

07111947 The Text of Letter dated November 7, 1947from the U.K. High Commissioner in Karachi to the Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Common-Wealth Relations

The following message has been received from the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom for communication to the Prime Minister of Pakistan.

'Many thanks for your message dated 4th November about Kashmir, No. 376.

2.As indicated in a recent message to the Prime Minister of India, there is, unfortunately, a great lack of mutual trust between the Governments of Pakistan and India. The same applies to the majority of their supporters. l am sure that this makes it even more essential that, whatever the difficulties, continuous and constant contact should be retained between the-two Governments.

3.I think that the proposal for the solution of the Kashmir trouble put forward in your message makes a promising starting point for discussions. As I understand the broadcast made by the Prime Minister of India on November 2nd, he gave two undertakings which seem to be in conjunction with your own suggestions. First, he undertook that the Indian Forces would be withdrawn from Kashmir as soon as order was restored. Second, he undertook that the will of the people should be ascertained, and he proposed that this should be done under the authority and supervision of the United Nations. No doubt any consultation of the people will be difficult to carry through. But I cannot believe that Mr. Nehru's pledges have the sinister implications which you suggest. It seems to me, therefore, that both you and the Prime Minister of India have put forward proposals which, although they differ, are based broadly on the same principles.

4.I hope therefore that there is now a starting point for discussions. While I fully recognise that this is difficult matter, not only because of the passions aroused on both sides but from the very nature of the problem of disengaging forces that have begun to fight, I can see little hope for relief of the present grave situation, which might easily become much worse, unless the two Governments do get together and try to reach accord on a mutually agreed plan of action.

5.I am hoping very much that I may have news of a further early meeting between you and the Indian Prime Minister.

6.I was very sorry to hear of your illness. I send you my best wishes for your recovery.'

May [ ask you to be good enough to transmit this message urgently to the Prime Minister by cypher telegram."