U.N. Dispute Over Kashmir

Press, Volume CIV, Issue 30892, 27 October 1965, Page 17

U.N. Dispute Over Kashmir

(N.Z. Press Association—Copyright)

NEW YORK, Oct. 26.

The India-Pakistan conflict in Kashmir today threatened to become a major cold-war dispute at the United Nations.

Last night Russia accused the Secretary-General (U Thant) of exceeding his auth ority in creating a new observer group to supervise the cease-fire between India and Pakistan outside Kashmir. The United States and Britain are reported to be seeking support for U Thant. With other Security Council members they also are trying to persuade India to return to their current debate on Kashmir after a protest walkout last night.

The Russian accusation came from the chief Soviet delegate. Dr. Nikolai Fedorenko, during the heated Security Council meeting. Reaffirming Moscow’s view on the rights of the Security Council, he said such actions could be taken only by council decision. The 11-nation council has time today to consider the new obstacles to its efforts to maintain peace. Its next meet-

ing is set for tomorrow. Before then the Indian delegation is expected to seek fresh instructions from New Delhi on whether it should take part. The Indians withdrew from yesterday’s meeting in protest against statements by the Pakistani Foreign Minister (Mr Bhutto) on matters that India considers internal developments in Kashmir. Mr Bhutto charged that Indian troops had committed Nazi-like atrocities in Kashmir. The United Nations has two distinct military observer groups in Kashmir. The groups are headed by the Australian, General Robert Nimmo and the Canadian, General Bruce Macdonald.

Last week, U Thant proposed sending a Brazilian, General Syenso Sarmento, to meet with Indian and Pakistani representatives and arrange for the withdrawal of warring forces.