12101947 Telegram dated October 12 1947, from Foreign Secretary to the Government of Pakistan to the Prime Minister of Kashmir
12101947 Telegram dated October 12 1947, from Foreign Secretary to the Government of Pakistan to the Prime Minister of Kashmir
"Men of Pakistan Army who have recently returned from leave at their homes in Poonch report that armed band?, which include troops, are attacking Muslim villages in the State. Their stories are confirmed by the large number of villages that can be seen burning from Murree hills. The Pakistan Government is vitally interested in the maintenance of peace on their borders, and the welfare of Muslims in the adjoining territories, and on those grounds alone would be justified in asking for an assurance that steps be taken to restore order in Poonch. One feature of the present situation in Poonch which, however, makes it peculiarly dangerous to the friendly relations which the Pakistan Government wishes to retain with Kashmir, is that the Pakistan Army obtains a large number of recruits from Poonch. Feeling in the battalions to which these men belong is rapidly rising and the situation is fraught with danger. The Pakistan Government wishes to avoid such a situation as they are sure do the Government of Kashmir, but if it is to be avoided, immediate and effective steps must be taken to end the present state of affairs, and in particular, if it is true that State troops are taking part in the attack on Muslims, to ensure the restoration of their discipline. The Government of Pakistan would like to be informed of the action taken."