123. Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in Pakistan0
2440. Deliver following letter to President Ayub as soon as possible, informing Department of date and time delivery.
“I am very glad to have your latest views on the Kashmir question in your thoughtful letter of April twentieth.1 It is obviously of great importance that on this extremely difficult issue we should keep in close contact.
“As I said when we met last summer, we too attach the highest priority to an equitable solution of the Kashmir dispute. It is clearly essential for the peace and security of South Asia that such a solution be found. It was for this reason that I proposed in January that the matter be considered again with the good offices of a third party of the standing of Mr. Black. I must say that I found it hard to understand why Prime Minister Nehru chose to reject this opportunity, and I continue to believe that the time will come when a third party will indeed be necessary. Because of the current position of India, I do not see how we can move to this form of negotiation at present, but we should all keep looking for an appropriate opening in this direction.
“I understand why, in the circumstances, you feel it necessary to turn to the Security Council. Yet I ought to tell you in all honesty that after my experiences of the last twelve months, I do not personally have great hopes from UN action on this subject nor on a good many others. The UN has great values, and we are among its strongest supporters, but I am sure you will agree that we cannot count on discussions and voting in New York to give us much direct help in finding a fair settlement in Kashmir.
“Nevertheless, I understand your own position in the matter, and I have in mind our discussion of the subject last summer. It is good that our representatives are working closely with each other, and we have found your Government’s ideas on a possible resolution to be most constructive. On this basis, we are in a good position to cooperate with you during the debate by supporting a suitable text based on these ideas.
“Let me repeat that we deeply share your desire for an early just and peaceful Kashmir settlement. We will keep up our efforts to this end. Obviously, an issue as complex and stubborn as this one will require of both sides the greatest imagination and flexibility if a common basis for [Page 252] agreement is to be found. I cannot quite share the suggestion in the last paragraph of your letter that the role of the United States can be decisive in this matter, but I can and do assure you of our deep interest in a fair settlement.
“In closing, let me speak again of the broad and general feeling of good will and sympathy which exists for Pakistan here in the United States. These are days of tension in your country and also in ours, and I find it helpful that there is between our people and those of Pakistan so dear a sense of friendship.
“Mrs. Kennedy joins me in warm expression of our high and cordial esteem. Sincerely, John F. Kennedy.”
Original will be pouched.
- Source: Department of State, Central Files, 711.11-KE/5-1962. Secret; Priority. Drafted by Cameron and approved by Grant. Repeated to New Delhi.↩
- Document 115.↩