689.90D/12–1851: Telegram
The Chargé in Afghanistan (Horner) to the Secretary of State
290. We wish to reiterate our belief that progress can be made in settling Afghan–Pak differences if we take advantage now of evident Afghan desire find face-saving formula. Vital point in Embtel 250 is achievement one or more year’s moratoruim on all Pashtun propaganda or vituperative press and radio exchanges; we believe that Pashtun campaign, once buried, wld be difficult if not impossible to dig up again (PriMin is far too astute not to have realized this when he made his suggestion reported in Embtel 231 of Nov 8). Since Dept expresses reluctance to have US give written assurance that Pashtun case will be given hearing when world tension ceases we suggest possibility GOP wld be willing give such written assurance which, however, [Page 2003] wld have to bear endorsement of US, UN or some third party in whom Afghans have confidence.
We wld appreciate Dept’s comments.
Dept pass Karachi. Sent Dept 290; rptd info Karachi 47.