780.5/1–2654: Telegram
No. 184
The Acting
Secretary of State to the Embassy
in Pakistan1
priority
592. Situation reported ur 5612 of greatest concern here. Feel our position somewhat compromised with both Turks and Paks in view of unfortunate leaks and press speculation. Amount of time involved in working out complicated matters with Turkey has been surprisingly short and should have been acceptable except for the press speculation. Although we feel committed to Turkey that next approach to Paks should be by them, believe it best that you have further frank discussion with Paks without waiting for Turks if you feel this would help. You can use as much as you desire of information in recent cables but should caution that much of information will be relayed by Turks on matters in which they and Pakistan will have primary responsibility, and that we believe it important approach come from Turkey in order that consultative arrangement may clearly originate within area.
Pakistan Ambassador here as well in embarrassing position and plan therefore discuss situation with him along above lines today.
Byroade wishes his personal and sincere regrets relayed to Gholem Mohammed and PM over manner in which situation has developed. He believes time has been utilized profitably to work on matters which are in line with their thinking and have been carried out in manner entirely acceptable but for lack of secrecy that unfortunately developed. Nothing has been finalized during this period of preparation nor can it be without willing agreement on all aspects by Pakistan. Hope situation will now develop very rapidly.
- Drafted by Byroade; repeated as 825 to Ankara.↩
- Document 182.↩