689.90D/4–2351: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Embassy in Pakistan 1
priority
676. Embtel 988 Apr 21. Secy informed Afghan PriMin Apr 23 re Pak counter-proposal. PriMin made no commitment and was told Dept wld transmit Pak suggestions to Kabul. As exact wording para 3 Pak memo Apr 14 is believed likely offend Afghans Dept suggests fol text: “GOP prepared accept unconditionally first three points US approach Nov 6. GOP also ready discuss through dipl channels after exchange ambs all matters of common concern. If these discussions indicate conference between two govts wld be fruitful, GOP prepared to hold such conference.”
FYI Pak memo appears assume Karachi will be seat discussions, although there wld be new Pak amb to Kabul who might also assist in exchange of views.
Pls inform FonOff although Dept still considers Pak attitude toward fourth point US approach constitutes counter-proposal, it is hoped GOP can promptly agree above phrasing so GOA may be informed. When clearance obtained from FonOff inform Dept and Kabul. Latter shld immed transmit agreed text to GOA.
FYI Najibullah did not call on any Brit or US officials in London although issued statement to Press Trust India there (Embtel 985 [Page 1968] Apr 21).2 He is expected talk with McGhee this week and was not present PriMin talk with Secy.