689.90D/5–651: Telegram
The Chargé in Afghanistan (Jandrey) to the Secretary of State
339. Col Shah returning Karachi shortly as personal talks with Faiz Mohd now require consultation with GOP re extent willingness accept Afghan viewpoint especially necessity discuss tribal area.
Shah said Afghan viewpoint as follows: NWFP and tribal area taken by force Brit arms; Afghans always vitally interested this area with its people of Afghan blood and apparent acceptance Durand Line was matter duress; Afghan Govt deeply resents unfulfilled Brit promised discuss tribes at time partition and unwilling accept GOP contention Pathans freely chose to be part new Pak.
Shah said Pak viewpoint was: Backbone formation Pak was brotherhood Islamic peoples who were consulted before creation Pak; sovereignty issue therefore cannot arise. Shah alleges regret inability convince Afghans necessity cease all propaganda and appoint Ambs but he sees fol accomplishments: (1) Creation favorable atmosphere for talks, (2) release accumulated tension and suppressed ideas, (3) better understanding viewpoints, (4) door definitely remains open.
Despite desire both sides reach settlement they are convinced re loss prestige internally. If GOP concedes point by discussing tribal affairs, formula must be devised giving nominal recognition to Afghan Govt interest such affairs without real change status.
[Page 1969]Karachi can evaluate impression Shah tried leave with me of reasonableness and desire convince GOP agreement not beyond hope, especially if he can bring Liaquat and Shah Mahmud together.
Sent Dept 339, rptd info Karachi 32.