Paper on the strategic implications of incorporating Pakistan in the Commonwealth

Scope and Content

Commander-in-Chief's Secretariat, Chiefs of Staff Committee, COS (46)750, revised JPC (46)8: 'The strategic implications of incorporating Pakistan in the British Commonwealth'. In the introduction, the possibilities are outlined: India may divide into two independent states, Hindustan and Pakistan; the British Government may decide to leave Hindustan to its own devices and accept no responsibility for its defence; the Government may also agree to include Pakistan in the Commonwealth; and Afghanistan may stay in close and friendly relations with Britain.

The strategic implications of this situation involve several factors: firstly, Commonwealth strategic interest in the Indian Ocean area, which makes it essential to ensure that no hostile power can dominate India; and, secondly, geographical factors, which make it vital for Britain to possess bases in Western Pakistan, because Pakistan lies as a buffer between Hindustan and any potential aggressor. Another factor to be considered in relation to the status of Pakistan is the effect on the Muslim world: if Pakistan should become part of the Commonwealth, this would probably have the effect of strengthening Britain's bonds with the remainder of the Muslim world, and it might be possible to form a strong Muslim block. As far as the defence of Pakistan is concerned, it would be necessary to station Imperial strategic reserves in Pakistan because the Pakistan defence forces would not be able, unaided, to withstand the first shock of war. There are also economic factors involved: Pakistan is not self-supporting and, for that reason, would be a considerable liability to the Empire. The partition of India, whether viewed short-term or long-term, will entail increased expenditure and an increased allotment of British manpower; but it is important that Pakistan should remain part of the Commonwealth in order to hinder any hostile power from dominating Hindustan, to maintain British influence over the Muslim world, and to preserve a base from which to attack Russia and from which to prevent Russia infiltrating into the Indian Ocean area. Copy no. 9. Typescript.