§ 121. Major Beamishasked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations if he will describe the direct efforts made by His Majesty's Government to persuade the Indian Government to accept mediation in accordance with the United 98W Nations proposals in their dispute with Pakistan over Kashmir; whether he is aware that an increasingly grave situation is developing as a result of India's refusal to accept mediation; and what further steps he proposes to encourage the Indian Government to modify its attitude.
§ Mr. Gordon-WalkerThe United Kingdom Government, as a member Government of the Security Council, have played a full part in the efforts of that body to achieve a peaceful solution of the Kashmir dispute acceptable to both parties. In addition, they have naturally been constantly in touch with both the Commonwealth Governments who are parties to the dispute, and have on frequent occasions made direct efforts designed to promote a settlement. It would be quite contrary to the spirit and nature of these exchanges to make public the suggestions which have been made from time to time by the United Kingdom Government.
The United Kingdom Government are very conscious of the grave effect that this dispute continues to have on relations between India and Pakistan, and view with particular concern recent indications of increased tension between the two countries. In that connection, I would refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave to the hon. Member for Blackpool, North (Mr. Low), on 19th July.