When India and Pakistan became independent in 1947, Jammu and Kashmir’s Hindu ruler decided that the princely state would become part of India. Fighting broke out, and the United Nations became involved in investigating and mediating in 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 (at 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 the ceasefire. Major Gascoigne wears New Zealand 'lemon squeezer' headgear – it was not until 1956 that United Nations peacekeepers wore blue berets.
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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
by J. B. Gascgoine
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