Office of the Historian

780.5/1–2654: Telegram

No. 179
The Acting Secretary of State to the Embassy in Turkey1

top secret
priority
Washington, January 26, 1954—4:21 p.m.

817. Limited distribution. Part II of II Parts.

7.
Department very much aware Afghan problem and appreciate initiative Turkey this regard. As basis reaching understanding believe Turks should have rundown our present thoughts. Afghan as noted in vulnerable position and subject to pressure from USSR. This illustrated recently by Afghans dropping proposed contract with French firm re oil development in north because of USSR protest. Part of Afghanistan north of Hindi–Kush especially vulnerable.
8.
Strong Soviet reaction and protest would be more firmly based than usual, since they might invoke Afghan–Soviet Treaty of 1931. This document provides (Article 2):

Each Contracting Party undertakes not to be a party to any alliances or agreements of a military or political character with one or more Powers which might be directed against the other Contracting Party or any financial or economic boycott or blockade directed against the other Contracting Party.

9.
Afghan interest obviously related to amount and timing of aid US might give. Should be pointed out that problem would have to be studied throughout US executive agencies and that considerable delay might ensue before any decision reached. Assuming favorable decision reached, funds which might be made available for Afghan program would be very limited. Situation this years MDAP budget very tight and budget for 1955 already submitted Congress includes no provision for Afghanistan.
10.
On basis these considerations, seems questionable that benefits which might flow to Afghanistan under possible program of US military aid would be sufficient to compensate for difficulties and risks involved. Would appreciate estimate of Turks in this regard.
11.
On other hand Department very sympathetic Afghans need for help and desires avoid impression of cold-shouldering them. Department [Page 466] has under active consideration Afghan request for grant of 20 thousand tons wheat and hopes give favorable reply. Ex–Im Bank has formal request for new loan for development Helmand Valley, road improvement and certain other projects on which consideration being expedited. Foreign aid budget fiscal 1955 has provision for continued grant economic aid and it is hoped that funds will be appropriated for program somewhat above level now in effect.2
12.
Although on balance Department considers it would be unwise encourage Afghan request US military aid, Turk proposed approach (last para of 4 in sub C(d)) otherwise seems excellent. If at later date Turk–Pakistan arrangement begins attract adherence of other countries in the area, US would be prepared consider requesting Congress for funds to broaden base of its support. If Afghanistan among such additional adherents, its claim would be considered along with others.
13.
If Turkey proposes agreement with Afghanistan similar to one with Pakistan, this might prove embarrassing to US at this time since we expect to use Pak–Turk agreement as framework for Pakistan military aid. Because of this believe it would be better if Turkey would make any agreement called for of different character. Turkey might wish consider adding to its approach suggestion it willing consider expanded training program for Afghan military personnel in Turkey.
Smith
  1. Drafted by Kennedy and Daspit, and cleared by RA and S/S. Repeated to New Delhi, Karachi, London, Paris, and HICOG Berlin.↩
  2. For documentation, see vol. XI, Part 2, pp. 1447 ff.↩