789.00/7–1054: Telegram
The Chargé in Afghanistan (Little) to the Department of State1
11. Embtel 470, June 23.2 Two courses action GOA on Pushtunistan past fortnight, although seemingly contradictory, suggest possibility denouncement this issue not distant future.
On one hand following termination Jirgas Jalalabad area reported reference telegram, Kabul-inspired Jirgas held various places NWFP. Thereafter leading participants came Kabul where formal welcomes organized their honor including luncheons given by King, Prime Minister and ex-Prime Minister Shah Mahmoud. Although press contains mere speech of welcome and thanks by King [to the?] Jirgas’ participants, I am informed King pledged his honor devote “rest of life” and energy achieve Pushtunistan goal and Daud assured participants their case now has support in addition Afghanistan two unnamed “great outside powers”. Embassy endeavoring verify these two statements. Simultaneously press campaign against Pakistan has increased in violence, particular targets being current attempt integrate Baluchistan states union with Baluchistan.
In seeming contradiction above GOA intransigence Foreign Minister Naim and Deputy Foreign Minister Aziz take every opportunity assure representatives western powers GOA urgently desirous establish closest relations Pakistan in interest mutual defense and trade and aware need settle Pushtunistan dispute. In farewell call on Deputy Foreign Minister Aziz … I expressed our concern at continuation this dispute particularly in view possibility after conclusion Korea-Indochina efforts Soviet bloc might choose this area site next effort and openly back Pushtunistan agitation with military as well as [Page 1413] financial assistance. At suggestion Aziz Foreign Minister Naim asked us call discussion Pushtunistan issue. After expression our concern Naim stated:
- (1)
- Was well aware Soviet long-term objectives Afghanistan and inherent dangers present situation,
- (2)
- Every political, military and economic reason dictates closest Afghan–Pakistan relations, [apparent omission] peoples or territory and acceptance outcome if GOP will agree plebiscite (preferably under UN auspices) Pushtun areas with choice offered (a) complete integration Pakistan, (b) independence, and (c) limited autonomy within territorial and political framework Pakistan.
Naim stressed obligation royal family owed tribes which had helped family regain throne and stated impossible establish desired close cooperation Pakistan until this matter settled. Moreover Naim stated GOA willing include Afghan Pushtuns in plebiscite but did not elaborate this point.
Almost identical views have been expressed by Naim in past fortnight to new French Ambassador, Italian Chargé and [garble] resident representative Spence and he obviously hopes US and other western powers will press Pakistan accept plebiscite proposal.
Plebiscite proposal presented last week Pakistan Ambassador Shah who left July 3, discuss situation his government. I have been informed GOP had earlier informed GOA any plebiscite proposal unacceptable unless it is integral part of formal declaration Pak-Afghan solidarity and cooperation whereas GOA professes wish dispose Pushtunistan issue first and then work out arrangement political, economic and other cooperation.
Accurate appraisal GOA sincerity and intentions presently impossible in face above apparent contradictions. Although GOA plebiscite proposal has obvious attraction as means settling this dispute, vagueness and inherent dangers (unfavorable outcome for Pakistan and precedent for demand plebiscite East Pakistan supported by India) are such I feel US should refrain any attempt at this time influence GOP consideration proposal.
Despatch with more details being forwarded pouch next week.3
- This telegram was repeated for information to Karachi, London, New Delhi, Jidda, and Lahore.↩
- In telegram 470 from Kabul, the Embassy reported on a sharp increase in agitation on the Pushtunistan issue stimulated by Afghanistan. The Embassy felt that the increase was owing to Prime Minister Daud’s desire to strengthen his position with the Pathan tribes and to divert attention from economic problems. Pakistan Ambassador Shah indicated that Pakistan could not tolerate this type of agitation within the borders of Pakistan. (789.00/6–2354)↩
- Despatch 7 from Kabul, July 14, not printed.↩