217. Telegram From the Embassy in Pakistan to the Department of State1
Karachi, November 19,
1956—6 p.m.
1422. Following is country team message.
- 1.
- Jefferson Jones suggested country team pass on comments on revision NSC 54092 in light economic factors which Pakistan will face in future years.
- 2.
- Country team has reviewed acting chief of mission’s letter to Assistant Secretary Allen of June 16 and appendix A of MAAG’s submission 1957–1958 budgetary review3 and supports position taken in these two documents with exception of timing of review proposed with GOP of MDAP economic implications.
- 3.
- Present time singularly inappropriate to raise with GOP questions re long range implications of MDAP as they affect economy of Pakistan. Despite outburst of public opinion which has made President, Prime Minister and chief advisers task of maintaining moderate policy extremely difficult, these leaders have shown and are continuing to show constructive and determined attitude in dealing with Baghdad Pact allies and Arab states, and have demonstrated their wish adopt policies consonant those of US re Middle East and central European events. This group leaders derives strength from loyalties Pakistan military to their leadership. To imply any weakening of US support for military program at this time might have seriously adverse effect on position leadership on which we depend for pro-US policy.
- 4.
- Furthermore until question of Pakistan role in Baghdad Pact and possibly SEATO and of US support therefore determined, would be unwise discuss reduction of present level Pakistan force goals. Developments in this context might conceivably invalidate our opposition [Page 476] to increased commitments recorded appendix A MAAG submission.
Hildreth