89. Telegram From the Delegation at the SEATO Council Meeting to the Department of State1
Secto 18. Department pass CINCPAC. Third session—morning—March 7th closed session (Part I).
Pakistan (Amjad Ali)2 opened debate drawing attention speech Australian representative yesterday mentioning “competitive co-existence”, which he said took various forms in Asia: In political field, there was competition ideologic, Communist, neutralist and collective security. Latter group represented here of which three are Asiatic, who believe in democratic way of life and who should get together so that if aggressor wants to expand collective security comes into play. In economic field, Communists say controlled economy best suited these areas to make use of populations and increased productivity. Some neutrals have recently embraced socialistic philosophy. This competition proceeding especially in Asia which will be crucial part of world next ten years. United States Secretary State yesterday referred Trojan horse which in this case is either double-headed [Page 192] horse or one ridden by two people. Dangerous situation developing along Pakistan’s northern border with Afghanistan. Ali pleaded for declaration that Durand Line is international boundary and referred to confusion resulting from former Secretary Acheson’s statement on defense responsibilities of United States re Korea3 some alleged were instrumental causing North Korean invasion South Korea. Also repeated Pakistan request for reiteration United Nations Kashmir decisions.
Australia (Casey) confirmed his government stands firm on United Nations resolution calling for settlement Kashmir dispute via free and impartial plebiscite. Quoted speech before Australian Parliament, in which he said Soviet leaders prejudged issue pending before Security Council. Said Australia desires see settlement by peaceful means. United Nations resolution points way. Soviet intervention makes permanent settlement more difficult. Casey specifically endorsed remarks of United Kingdom Secretary State on Pushtunistan and suggested council take note of Pakistan statement re problem of Russian aid to Afghanistan and request report by SEATO military advisers.
United Kingdom (Lloyd) stated position re Afghan situation made clear yesterday. Position on Kashmir also clear despite inaccurate press speculation. SEATO not suitable forum to discuss merits of Kashmir dispute, but as for attitude, United Kingdom stands in exactly same position as Australia and hopes to see settlement of this question in UN or directly as soon as practicable.
Thailand (Wan) agreed with Pakistan re significance statements of Soviet leaders which merely create confusion and foster insecurity. SEATO must be on guard through its Council representatives and military advisers. Re settlement of Pushtoonistan and Kashmir questions, already said in general political statement Thailand favored peaceful amicable settlement along UN principles as well as under Article I of SEATO treaty. Thailand, as strong firm supporter UN, supports Kashmir resolution which especially provides for free impartial plebiscite under UN. Re Durand Line, this is frontier line taken over from UK. SEATO should do all it can to strengthen defense Pakistan.
US (Dulles) referred to previous remarks on evil tactics of Soviet leaders in stirring up hatred and animosities on their trip to South Asia, which deserved condemnation of all decent people. Re two matters raised by Pakistan, US has never doubted sovereignty of Pakistan since it became independent state extends to Durand Line. US regarded this as international frontier between Pakistan and [Page 193] Afghan at time it entered into diplomatic relations with Pakistan in 1947. Pakistani Foreign Minister yesterday reminded us that Soviet rulers might take different view. In order avoid misunderstanding and possible miscalculation, US suggested it be made clear that “treaty area” referred to in Articles IV and VIII of our treaty include so far as Pakistan is concerned area up to Durand Line. Re Kashmir, US Ambassador to Pakistan4 on December 14, 1955 alluding to Soviet statements said, “the basis of the US position is that the question of the accession of Kashmir to India or Pakistan should be decided through free and impartial plebiscite under UN auspices. This was stated by the US representative in the Security Council on December 5, 1952. It still stands”. Secretary added that still stands as position of US. (Verbatim text Secretary’s statement transmitted separately.)5
Philippines (Garcia) supported Security Council resolution for Kashmir according peoples opportunity to decide by free and impartial plebiscite. Re Pushtoonistan, Philippines agreed with Australian reference to military advisers group for further determination of facts.
France (Pineau) agreed with Australia that there should be peaceful settlement in Kashmir. Re Afghan said question was not one of frontiers but of security. Military experts should examine case to form opinion as to what might happen.
Pakistan (Amjad Ali) expressed gratitude of Pakistan delegation for views expressed by delegates of countries present on statements on Afghan and Kashmir (Part II to follow).6
- Source: Department of State, Central Files, 396.1–KA/3–856. Confidential; Priority. Repeated to London, Paris, Canberra, Wellington, Bangkok, Manila, New Delhi, and Kabul.↩
- Minister of Finance.↩
- For text of Acheson’s remarks made before the National Press Club in Washington on January 12, 1950, see Department of State Bulletin, January 23, 1950, p. 111.↩
- Horace A. Hildreth.↩
- See Secto 16, infra.
Secretary Dulles discussed Pakistan-Afghan relations with Prime Minister Mohammed Ali and other officials on the morning of March 5 and the evening of March 7. The memoranda of conversation are not printed. (Both in Department of State, Conference Files: Lot 62 D 181, CF 665)
For documentation on the Kashmir dispute, see vol. VIII, pp. 55. ff.
↩ - Document 91.↩