690D.91/9–853: Telegram
The Ambassador in Pakistan (Hildreth) to the Department of State1
206. Re Deptel 191.2 Embassy believes Pakistan’s reaction to public announcement United States had successfully restrained Nimitz from resigning for more than year will be to question why United States had then been unable prevent his resignation at moment which could scarcely be worse from point of view effect on Kashmir negotiations. Our statement resignation has no relationship with Nehru–Ali agreement will not be believed and will be interpreted as either United States hypocrisy or utter lack of sympathy with considerations which motivate Pakistan point of view.
Embassy strongly recommends statement be confined to paragraph d reference telegram plus indication that, since Nimitz compelled resign for personal reasons, United States, should GOP or GOI so request, would be willing submit names distinguished Americans who might be available.
We believe such statement would have best reaction on Pakistan public opinion and would avoid dangerous implication United States Government responsible in any way for either Nimitz retention or resignation.
If United States unwilling publicly say it would recommend distinguished successors for Nimitz on request GOP or GOI, Embassy recommends statement be limited paragraph d reference telegram plus either official statement United States or Nimitz personally of regret that personal reasons require his resignation this time.