Foreign Relations of the United States, 1948, The Near East, South Asia, and Africa, Volume V, Part 1

745F.90H/1–1948: Telegram

The Secretary of State to the Legation in Afghanistan

secret

Washington, February 3, 1948—6 p. m.

32. Re breakdown Pakistan Afghan negotiations (London 198 Jan 19 rptd Karachi 9 and Kabul 3¹), and Afghan letter to SC² requesting active Afghan participation in any SC discussions tribal aspect Kashmir case (Deptel 26 Jan 24 rptd London 240 Karachi 26 New Delhi 51¹) it may be useful express current Dept thinking on tribal problem to guide informal conversations with foreign officials that may take place at posts to which this message sent.

(1) It is of utmost importance for peace and prosperty South Asia that Afghanistan and Pakistan maintain relations characterized by mutual trust and cooperation. Present unrest in area arising in large part out of transfer power from British to local hands can be alleviated only if responsible political leaders in region exercise restraint and patience, and realize that South Asian peoples can through own efforts best attain maximum degree security and prosperity.

(2) In light foregoing we hope Pakistan and Afghanistan will reach early agreement exchange regular diplomatic representatives without prejudice to, and in order that they may through this normal channel discuss, tribal and other questions mutual concern.

(3) Both Afghanistan and Pakistan have essential interest in tribal activities and welfare. High officials both govts have informed US officials of projected plans for social and economic advancement tribes. Implementation such plans with resultant eventual elimination conditions fostering tribal unrest appears offer best solution frontier security problem now troubling both countries. Geographic distribution of tribes points to joint Afghan Pakistan approach and we hope both govts will follow policy frank consultation and cooperation re tribal problem.

(4) Re Afghan letter to SC present effort SC should be concentrated on peaceful resolution status Kashmir and injection tribal issue in its broader aspects would only confuse what is already extremely complicated and delicate problem. We trust Af Govt will pursue request for participation only if its interests seriously involved and that in latter case its intervention would be restricted to matters directly pertinent to Kashmir case.

Sent to Kabul, rptd to Karachi 35 New Delhi 75 London 351.

Marshall

1. Not printed.
2. See telegram 29, January 27, paragraph 1, p. 289.
1. Not printed.