Letter to M.A. Jinnah on the Integration of Khasi States

Sub title : Strategic and Economic Importance for the Defense and Development of East Pakistan

Subject: Pakistan -- Foreign Relations | Integration of Princely States | East Pakistan | Geopolitical Strategy

Date of publication: 1947

Language: English

Page: 2p.

Source: National Archives of Pakistan

Serial no: 27718

Keyword: M.A. Jinnah -- Khasi States -- East Pakistan | Geopolitical Strategy -- Economic Integration -- Princely States | Sylhet -- Chhatak Cement -- Hasmat Waterfall -- Post-Partition

Abstract: A strategic memorandum from a Member of the Constituent Assembly to M.A. Jinnah, written shortly after Partition. The letter urgently advises the immediate negotiation for the accession of the Khasi states of Khyrem and Cherra to Pakistan. The author argues that these states are geographically and commercially linked to Sylhet (now in East Pakistan/Bangladesh) and would provide vital natural barriers for the defense of East Pakistan's northeastern frontier. The memo also highlights significant economic benefits, including coal, limestone for the Chhatak Cement Company, timber, and the potential for hydroelectric power from the Hasmat waterfall, which could electrify all of East Bengal. The author offers his services and recommends specific individuals to lead the negotiations.

Description: This document is a significant piece of strategic correspondence from the early days of Pakistan. It reveals the immediate challenges the new nation faced in consolidating its borders, especially in the geographically complex region of East Pakistan. The letter demonstrates a clear understanding of the strategic and economic imperatives of state-building, focusing on securing natural resources, energy, and defensible frontiers. It underscores the critical window of opportunity presented by the lapse of British paramountcy and the urgent need for diplomatic outreach to the rulers of independent princely states to secure Pakistan's territorial and economic integrity. SCANNED BY: NATIONAL ARCHIVES OF PAKISTAN.

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