Editorial Note
In an aide-mémoire of September 6 sent by the Afghan Ministry of Foreign Affairs to the Embassy at Kabul, the Afghan Government reiterated its view that the dispute between the Governments of Afghanistan and Pakistan centered on the unresolved political and legal position of the trans-Afghan Pashtuns whose natural ties were with the Pashtuns of Afghanistan. Afghanistan and Pakistan should seek a formula to determine the political and legal status of the Pashtuns and thereby promote peace in the area. The Afghan Government noted that it had prepared two formulas which were transmitted earlier in the year to Pakistan through Colonel Shah, and that it was still prepared to enter into discussions on the basis of either formula. Under the first formula, Afghanistan and Pakistan would agree that the question of the trans-Afghan Pashtuns should be determined through diplomatic channels at the earliest opportunity. Under the second formula, the same course would be followed but the two governments would in addition seek to fulfill the aspirations of the Pashtuns and consider means of establishing peace and improving economic, cultural, and administrative conditions in the Pashtun homeland. Under both formulas, the two parties would also agree to cease propaganda against the other and to exchange ambassadors as soon as possible.
Ambassador Merrell reported to the Department that whereas this Afghan reply was not very helpful, it did not constitute a “flat refusal,” and he was therefore not carrying out the instructions contained in the Department’s telegram 72 of August 24 (see footnote 1, page 1988), pending further instructions. (Telegram 139 from Kabul, September 10; 689.90D/9–1051)