811.248/618: Telegram
The Chargé in Afghanistan (Thayer) to the Secretary of State
[Received July 5—4:32 a.m.]
22. Reference to Legation’s telegram number 19, June 26, 9 p.m. The Director General of the Political Department today raised the question of the airplane incident of June 24 saying that he had been told by the Foreign Minister to request the Legation “to study” the matter with view to fixing responsibility should similar cases arise in the future. He particularly wanted to know whether American Army planes in India operate independently or are under the Indian Army General Staff. In the latter event he intimated the Afghan Government would consider the British Government responsible. He likewise intimated that the Afghan Government desired to fix responsibility for the future before considering the present case closed. At the same time he expressed the satisfaction of the Afghan Government with the prompt and frank expression of regret for the incident transmitted by this Legation.
Instructions are requested.
Repeated to New Delhi.