Office of the Historian

126. Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in Afghanistan1

Washington, March 16, 1957—11:26 a.m.

893. Beirut inform Richards.2 FYI. Department conscious delicate situation regarding application American doctrine to Afghanistan. Problem there is of different character from that in any other country “in general area of Middle East”. On one hand exclusion of Afghanistan from program might have connoted lack US interest in security that country and implied US would not oppose Soviet take over. On other hand we fully understand desire Afghans avoid actions which USSR could consider provocative. We are aware that outspoken endorsement by Afghan officials of doctrine, and indication US seeking exclude USSR-Afghan relationship, might bring about Soviet pressures creating real hardships for Afghanistan. In circumstances, it would appear wise for RGA avoid actions or statements vis-à-vis Soviets which might afford basis Soviet retaliation, particularly since it might be impracticable for US to meet resulting Afghanistan requirements for security assurances and economic relief.

Ambassador Richards fully aware above problems and will define American doctrine as precisely as possible while in Kabul. In interim we face delicate problem of keeping Afghan expectations within bounds while at same time maintaining Afghan confidence closer relations with US possible and worthwhile. Objective of Embassy in period immediately ahead should be to build this confidence while avoiding undue Afghan hopes and expectations.

Herter
  1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 789.5–MSP/3–165. Secret. Drafted by Jones, Soulen, and Howison; cleared in draft form by Burdett; and approved by Rountree. Repeated to Karachi and Beirut.↩
  2. On March 12, Ambassador James P. Richards, former Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, and now Special Assistant to the President, left the United States for a 57-day mission to the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa. Richards visited 15 countries as part of an effort to explain the President’s January proposals, the American or Eisenhower Doctrine, on economic and military assistance to countries in the area. Richards visited Pakistan March 27–31 and Afghanistan March 31–April 3.↩