689.90D/5–1051: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Embassy in Afghanistan 1
276. Since Apr 30 Brit Emb has several times inquired whether Dept willing encourage Afghan PriMin return promptly Kabul as this seemed desirable connection Acting PriMin talks with Colonel Shah and internal polit situation. Move appeared originate either Brit Emb Kabul or Brit FonOff or both and possibly result GOP suggestion.
PriMin’s announced plans (fol his talks with Najibullah) provide departure US not earlier than June 15 by ship via UK and Pak arriving Kabul possibly early Aug.
Dept responded negatively Brit suggestion on fol grounds: (1) Somewhat tactless intervene known Afghan plans; (2) PriMin unable reach Kabul in time affect results Shah conversations; (3) without Pak reply suggested revision its counterproposal no clear line Dept cld suggest PriMin pursue if returning immed; (4) urging return might produce unwarranted assumption by Afghans Dept moving toward support Afghan position.
FYI PriMin’s views internal situation probably already registered since this purpose Najibullah visit.
Dept undertook reconsider above position in event subsequent developments might clearly indicate desirability PriMin’s return.
Brit inquired if Dept willing press Afghans in event GOP showed willingness talk with GOA re control welfare tribes in return for Afghan admission Durand Line valid boundary Pak and were informed premature now attempt assess this hypothetical situation.
Brit also informed that Dept might be forced cease exercise good offices in case GOP response tantamount to rejection Nov 6 approach or if containing terms not acceptable GOA.
FYI GOA possibly deliberately delaying PriMin’s return as reserve factor for use future contingency. Pls comment re foregoing without direct efforts ascertain Brit motives.2