U.N. MEDIATION IN KASHMIR

Chronicle (Levin), 16 January 1948, Page 5

U.N. MEDIATION IN KASHMIR

(N.Z.P.A.-

■= Reute* \

INDIA PRESENTS APPEAL TO SECUEITY CGUNCll

Qmytight)

Received Friday, 11.15 a.m. NEW YORK, January 15.. The Pakistan Government is activeky assisting the invaders of Kashmir State, Mr. Jopalswami Ayangar, Mi'nister without Portfolio, told the Seeurity Council today, ,i'n pre-. senting India's appeal for United Nations' mediation in the Kashmir situation. j Mr. Ayangar said that the situation in Jammu, in Kashmir, was growing graver daily and the Seeurity Council should take urgent action to epd.it. The Indian Government could deal with the invaders by military means, but this might involve a risk of armed conflict with pakistan.

"We wouM like to exnaust every possible resource for avoiding war, particularly war with the people of a neighDouring State, with whom centuries of common living, culture and tradiuon inciine us despite the recent happenings — to coptinue and develop the ties that bind us." Mr. Ayangar said that from the beginning oi India's independence, Pakistan had tried to coerce Kashmir into joining it, but India had exerted no pressure at all. A series of invasions by tribesmen from the nortn-west frontier had eventually eompelled the Maharajah of Kashmir to appeal for help from the Indian Government, and to announce that Kashmir would become part of India. "There is ample proof available that the invaders of Kashmir are not only being allowed transit across Pa'kistan territory, but also draw much of their equipment, arms, transport, suppnes, and petrol from Pakistan," said Mr. Ayangar. "For three months thousands of tribesmen have crossed Pakistan territory and continued to pour into Kashmir. We have ample evidenee to prove that tne raiders include a large number of Pakistan nationals." Mr. Ayangar gave as an example .of Pakistan aia . the iact that the invaders were equipped with .303 rifles, Bren and Sten guns, threeinch mortars, 3.7 howitzers, antitank rifies, Mark V mines and wal-kie-talkie seis. The invaders first appeared wiinout uniforms, but now wore battledress, steel helmets

and army greatcoats and boot§. Captured vehicles had Pakistan ■ number plates. Petroi, which was rationed, had been supplied free to vehicles carrying trifeesmen to Kashmir. Pakistan offlcers wero training the raiders, who were . allowed to use Pakistan territory for bases. Mr. Ayangar said that after the ' Indian troops were attacked at Ghangar by ' 600.0. invaders armed . with automatic weapons and mortars, the Indian Government made . a final attempt to. persuade the Governor-General of Pakistan, Dr. Jinnah, to take steps to deny all ; assistance to the raiders. i "The attitude of mind disclosed in Dr. Jinnah's reply was regret- . table," said Mr. Ayangar. "He did J not attempt to disown the raiders or condemn their activities.'* India i wished the Seeurity Council : 1 Firstly, to prevent Pakistan Gov- | ernment personnel from participati ing in or assisting the invasiop of ! Jammu, in Kashmir. | Secondly, to call on Pakistan ; nationals to desist from taking : part in the fighting. i Thirdly, to call on Pakistan to deny the invaders access to and the . use of territory for operations i against Kashmir, and tb refuse military and other supplies and all other aid that might tend to prolong the struggle. ^ i The Pakistan Foreign Minister^ ! Sir ZafruUah Khan, asked f or jtime to prepare a reply. The council adjoined until January 16.