110. Memorandum From Robert W. Komer of the National Security Council Staff to the President’s Special Assistant for National Security Affairs (Bundy)0
McGB:
FYI, our efforts resolve Pak/Afghan transit dispute entering new phase. With eight-week temporary border opening expiring 29 March, State has told Embassy Karachi to approach Paks on formula for extending interim agreement several months.1 (1) US expediters would continue at border posts; (2) Paks would allow Afghan trade commission in Karachi to document transit traffic (we think Paks would buy this); (3) pressure on both sides to explore resumption diplomatic relations and re-opening of consulates (this will be tougher nut, since it related more to Pushtoon issue itself than transit).
Above makes sense. I’ve kept gentle needle in on not losing transit time left to us. If above succeeds we’ve bought a little more time. But the big questions remain-how do we damp down overall dispute and how much do we spend in effort keep Afghanistan from being swallowed up. I’m still plugging.