3. Basic Principles for a Plebiscite Proposed by the United Nations Commission for India and Pakistan, to the Governments of India and Pakistan, December 11, 1948

Extract

A. The Commission reaffirms its resolution of 13 August 1948.

B. The Governments of India and Pakistan simultaneously accept supplementary to this resolution the following principles:

1. The question of the accession of the State of Jammu and Kashmir to India or Pakistan will be decided through the democratic method of a free and impartial plebiscite.

2. A plebiscite will be held when it shall be found by the Commission that the cease-fire and truce arrangements set forth in Parts I and II of the Commission's resolution of 13 August 1948 have been carried out and arrangements for the plebiscite have been completed.

3. a. The Secretary-General of the United Nations wiH, in agreement with the Commission, nominate a Plebiscite Administrator who shall be a personality of high international standing and commanding general confidence. He will be formally appointed to office by the Government of Jammu and Kashmir.

b. The Plebiscite Administrator shall derive from the State of Jammu and Kashmir the powers he considers necessary for organizing and conducting the plebiscite and for ensuring the freedom and impartiality of the plebiscite.

c. The Plebiscite Administrator shall have authority to appoint such staff of assistants and observers as he may require.