22111947 Telegram from the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom to the Prime Minister of Pakistan dated November 22, 1947

22111947 Telegram from the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom to the Prime Minister of Pakistan dated November 22, 1947

"It is difficult for me and my Government to judge whether, by chance, there is any way in which we could be of service in helping towards a solution of the intractable problems produced by the march of events in relation to Kashmir.

2. Although the approach of your Government and that of the India Government is different, there seems to be agreement on both sides that a reference (o the people of Kashmir is the right way in which to obtain a decision on the question of final accession to Pakistan or India, although I assume that if is hardly practicable to take this step before the spring. Mr. Nehru suggested in his broadcast of 2nd November, a referendum under international auspices like the United Nations and you also suggested in your statement of 16th November that the United Nations might be asked to appoint representatives to assist in the settlement of the Kashmir problem.

3. I can see great advantages, if it proved practicable for the machinery for consulting people of Kashmir to be devised and administered under the supervision of independent persons

acting at the request of, and on behalf of, the two Governments jointly. After full consideration, I am inclined to think that the speediest and most satisfactory way of putting this idea into practice would be to have recourse to one special organ of the United Nations, namely the International Court of Justice.

4. Would you like me to take private soundings from the President of the International Court of Justice to find out whether he is of the opinion that it would be practicable and

He would be willing to try to get together a small team of international exports, not connected with India, Pakistan or the United Kingdom, in the event of a joint request being preferred by the Governments of India and Pakistan for this to be done.

5. I should be delighted to take such a step if you and the Prime Minister of India think it would be helpful. I am sending an identical message to the Prime Minister of India."