WASHINGTON: The United States, as a first step in its new policy for stabilising Asia against Communism, today [Aug 30] called upon India and Pakistan to settle their dispute over the princely state of Kashmir. President Truman, in letters to the heads of the Indian and Pakistani Governments, said that a continuance of their wrangle for control of that rich state constituted a threat to the peace of all South-East Asia.

He hoped that they would make every effort to come to an early agreement, lest a continuance of their dispute endangers the stability of the entire area.

The letters to Prime Minister Liaquat Ali Khan and Prime Minister Nehru were han­ded to the Pakistan and Indian Ambassadors … by Secretary of State Dean Acheson upon the direction of the President. … Mr Truman’s plea came as the high-level United States policy group continued its efforts to work out a new policy to contain Communism in Asia. One of the main features of the new policy is expected to be the establishment of a “security zone” around Communist China by promoting stability and democracy in the areas bordering China.

Published in Dawn, September 1st, 2024