740.0011 European War 1939/23406: Telegram
The Minister in Afghanistan (Engert) to the Secretary of State
[Received August 9—2:52 p.m.]
49. I have talked to a number of people since my 40, July 30, noon, and find among the well wishers of the Allies a feeling of despondency because of the Russian defeats. I shall report later on Afghan attitude vis-à-vis Russia, Britain and developments in India but in view of immediate urgency of military situation I venture to make a practical suggestion to raise morale of Afghan Government: Arrival of a few American bomber squadrons even if only for purely temporary duty in North and Northeastern Persia would make profound impression in Afghanistan. It need only be a token force but widest possible publicity should be given to it and I should be advised in advance for discreet use in conversation. It would immediately create belief here that United States will help stop German advance into Turkestan which may have important bearing on Afghanistan Government decisions in near future. If announcement could be combined with a cautious promise to Afghans of certain limited lease lend aid so much the better.
Department will recall my persistent advocacy of despatch of token forces to Syria to bolster up Turkish and Syrian morale. Similarly we cannot afford to see Afghan Government so paralyzed with fear that Allied position in Middle Eastern bloc may be seriously jeopardized.