12121947 Text of Telegram dated December 12, 1947 from the Prime Minister of India to the Prime Minister of Pakistan
12121947 Text of Telegram dated December 12, 1947 from the Prime Minister of India to the Prime Minister of Pakistan
"Ever since my return from Lahore I have given most earnest thought to settlement of all outstanding matters in dispute between India and Pakistan, My colleagues share my desire for such a settlement which is essential for the well-being of both India and Pakistan. It is our good fortune that agreements have already been arrived at in regard to many matters in controversy. But you will appreciate that it is difficult to make any progress if conflict and indifference continue between the two countries. Such a conflict is likely to affect all our other relations and may lead to a deterioration of the situation.
2. The major cause of this conflict at present is Kashmir. We have discussed this matter with you at great length without resolving our differences or finding a way out of the impasse.
I reiterate the arguments which have been repeatedly advanced in support of our position. You are fully seized of them.
3. We have given further thought, in the light of our discussion in Lahore, to the question of inviting the United Nations to advise us in this matter. While we are prepared to invite U.N.O. observers to come here and advise us as to the proposed plebiscite, it is not clear in what other capacity the United Nations help can be sought. According to your own declaration to us you are not party to the present struggle in Kashmir. We cannot deal with irregular invaders as a State. No Government can deal with such raids which have brought death and destruction to Kashmir except through military means. We owe an obligation to the people of Kashmir to restore peaceful and normal conditions. We have pledged ourselves to this end. We would be glad to cooperate in an attempt to restore peace by settlement.
- I trust that you will appreciate the logic and reasonableness of our position and our earnest desire to find a solution which is honourable to all concerned. I hope to meet you when you visit Delhi on December 22nd to attend the next meeting of the Joint Defence Council and to discuss this matter further with you. I confess, however, that I find myself unable to suggest anything beyond what I have offered already, namely, to ask U.N.O. to send impartial observers to advise us regarding the plebiscite.
I hope that your health continues to improve."