Foreign Relations of the United States, 1955–1957, South Asia, Volume VIII

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

Washington, March 31, 1955—5:07 p.m.

350. Embtel 392.² You should at your discretion convey at once to Nairn US Government’s deep concern at failure Afghan authorities provide adequate protection American citizens lawfully resident city of Kabul. You should seek assurances adequate measures will be taken full protection US citizens and property in Afghanistan in future.

Similar view will be conveyed Afghan Ambassador here following receipt report your conversation with Nairn.³ Cable any further available details and your views significance this outbreak.⁴

Dulles

1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 789.00/3–3055. Confidential; Niact. Drafted by Thacher and approved by Jernegan.
2. See the editorial note, supra.
3. In telegram 402 from Kabul, April 3, Ward reported that Nairn expressed his own and his government’s regrets for the incidents involving U.S. citizens and assured him that measures would be taken to protect U.S. citizens and property. Nairn then requested that the “U.S. government lend its sympathetic and urgent good offices toward implementing amicable settlement Pakistan and Afghanistan disputes.” (Department of State, Central Files, 689.90D/4–355)
4. In telegram 401 from Kabul, April 3, Ward presented the following analysis: “Daud’s overall prestige and particularly influence with tribes inextricably intertwined with Pushtunistan issue and he has been one of most ardent pro-Pushtunistan firebrands since 1947 partition India. He probably regarded Pakistan Governor General’s announcement imminent implementation West Pakistan one-unit plan (which would include territory he claims belongs Pushtunistan) as direct challenge his personal prestige as well as GOA position this issue. He therefore probably felt compelled make bold and dramatic gesture or suffer bad loss personal face.” (Ibid.)