123 EN 3/725: Telegram

The Chargé in Afghanistan (Thayer) to the Secretary of State

8. The following telegram has been sent to Consulate General at Beirut for Minister Engert.

June 12, 8 p.m. The Foreign Minister requested today that you be informed of his most earnest hope that you will arrive in Kabul as soon as possible. He stated that your early arrival is especially [Page 51] desired in order to put an end to the abnormal situation which arose, first, through the arrival of a Military Attaché prior to the establishment of a Legation, and secondly, through the assignment of a Secretary prior to the appointment of a Minister. He spoke at some length of Afghan pride intimating that Afghan feelings had been injured by the above mentioned circumstances.

Although permanent Legation quarters will not be ready for 3 months, furnished temporary quarters are available now in a suburban villa.

I would therefore much appreciate being advised of your plans so that I might inform the Foreign Minister accordingly.

Repeated to the Department.

Thayer