When India and Pakistan became independent in 1947, Kashmir had the choice of joining either. Fighting broke out after the decision to join India was made, and the United Nations became involved in investigating and mediating the dispute. Observers were introduced and, after India and Pakistan signed the Karachi Agreement in 1949, the UN became responsible for monitoring the ceasefire. Major Jack Gascoigne (far right) and another member of the UN Military Observer Group meet with an Indian officer and a Pakistani officer on the ceasefire line near Kotli to discuss a possible infringement of a ceasefire. Major Gascoigne wears New Zealand 'lemon squeezer' headgear – it was not until 1956 that United Nations peacekeepers wore blue berets.
Using this item
New Zealand Defence Force
Reference:
John Crawford, In the field for peace: New Zealand’s contribution to international peace-support operations, 1950-1995. Wellington: New Zealand Defence Force, 1996, p. 12
Photograph by J. B. Gascgoine
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