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ISBN 81-7829-069-3
Accession No. 3337
Title War and Diplomacy in Kashmir : 1947 - 48
Author C. Dasgupta
Year of Publishing 2002
Publisher Sage Publications India Pvt Ltd, New Delhi
Price Rs.440
Short Description Kashmir is arguably one of the most contentious and complex issues in South Asia today. It has persisted for more than 50 years despite wars, summits and declarations, and seems to be as intractable as ever. This important book sheds light on the genesis of the problem and examines the consequences of the often ignored fact that British officers commanded the armed forces of both India and Pakistan at that time. Based on documents that have now been declassified, it reveals the roles played by Mountbatten and the British service chiefs in India and Pakistan during the Kashmir War of 1947-48. Among the important questions Mr. Dasgupta addresses and answers are : Why India took the Kashmir issues to the United Nations # Why India did not carry the war into Pakistan # The reasons India accepted a ceasefire # The interplay between diplomatic military developments. The author begins with an account of British policy -- military and diplomatic -- towards the two dominions. Drawing on British archival material the goes on to discuss. # The evolution of British policy on Kashmir # The role played by the western powers in the Security Council # The clandestine guidance received by the received by the C-in-C of the Indian Forces from Mountainbatten and the British authorities # The Secret understandings between the two C-in-Cs and the attempt made by General Bucher to negotiate an informal truce with his Kashmir issue did not escalate into a full-scale inter-dominion war. Analysing the role of the great powers in third world conflict, this exciting and insightful book will be of great interest both to the lay reader and to those involved in international studies, political science, modern Indian and military history, strategic affairs, conflict/peace studies and South Asian politics.
Table of Contents 1. Introduction
2. Junagadh - A Curtain Raiser
3. Crisis in Kashmir
4. The Defence of Srinagar
5. Reactions in London
6. Jammu Province
7. The Governor -General as Mediator
8. Military Plans
9. Counter-Attack or UN Appeal ?
10. The Security Council
11. A Private Initiative
12. The Pring Offensive
13. The Un Commissions for India and Pakistan
14. Limited Offensive
15. The Last Round
16. Ceasefire
17. Conclusion.
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