690D.95/5–1151: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Embassy in Pakistan
727. Dept concerned for some time with gen problem of securing additional ground forces for Korea2 in substantial numbers from other UN Members, especially those Members such as Pak which heretofore have not made contributions of ground troops.
FYI we are under considerable pressure from sources both within and outside Govt to redouble efforts to obtain additional troops for meeting aggression in Korea. Recently, Defense Dept asked Dept to direct every effort towards getting substantial contributions rather than token forces. We desire to continue to explore every avenue, even though in some instances the possibilities for success are somewhat remote. Dept now engaged in extensive bilateral negots with number other UN Members. As an indication of the seriousness and urgency with which we view matter of additional ground forces from greater number of other UN Members, we are now considering, though we have not definitely decided on a renewed appeal through SYG on behalf of the UC to the 53 Member states that indicated support of the June 25 and June 27 res.3
We have also been considering renewed approach to Karachi with view to getting commitment of ground forces of a substantial character. Ground troop contribution for Korea from Pak especially desirable. Dept appreciates Pakistanis reluctance to reduce internal forces by sending troops abroad and is aware of presence of dissatisfaction among people with UN handling of Kashmir issue. At same time, Dept believes that Liaquat4 and close associates are sympathetic towards idea of sending forces to Korea, though impeded by above two factors.
[Page 2204]It is believed that present Chi Commie offensive wld lend new weight US approach and might influence Pak Govt. As you are well aware, ground force commitments from Pak wld have considerable political effect on other Asian states and buoy up spirit of common defense by free world against any future aggression in Asia. In addition to present Commie offensive, need to rotate troops which have served long, arduous tours, and no immediate prospect of termination of hostilities has increased need for additional ground troops in Korea.
Pak was one of 53 Member states that indicated their support of the action taken by SC during initial days of Korean conflict. Pak has good sized army from which a substantial increment cld contribute measurably to meeting aggression in Korea away from Pak borders. US concerned that longer Korean action has to be carried on, more difficult it may be to keep aggression in Korea from spreading beyond its borders. In light of mutual desire of Pak and US to bring about cessation of hostilities soonest, to restore peace and security, and to keep conflict from spreading, it wld appear to be in interest of Pak to make contribution with view to assisting in bringing about aforementioned objectives.
We believe Pak aware that aggression in Korea is most serious threat to entire system of collective security estabd by free world. Pak has stake and a responsibility in this system of collective security. Its failure and consequent breakdown wld menace every country in free world, including Pak. Surely Pak is aware that other UN Members may some day wish to draw upon resources of UN on their own behalf in event they shld become victims of aggression. We believe existence of UN is at stake, and if UN is to survive, aggression in Korea must be successfully met in order for world to avoid destruction.
Having above considerations in mind, the Dept desires you approach FonOff regarding urgent need for ground force commitment from Pak, if at your discretion you believe such representation at this time will not work to disadvantage of friendly US–Pak relations. If you believe such approach wld be to our disadvantage, Dept requests your reasons. Dept is making similar approach to Emb New Delhi.
- For documentation on Korea, see vol. vii, pp. 1 ff.↩
- Respectively, Security Council Documents S/1501 and S/1511, printed in Foreign Relations, 1950, vol. vii, pp. 155 and 211.↩
- Liaquat Ali Khan, Prime Minister of Pakistan.↩