80. Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in Afghanistan 1
357. 1. In your discretion you may in manner you deem appropriate associate yourself with protest reportedly made by Turkish Ambassador on behalf Diplomatic Corps as defined Karachi’s 1377.2
2. Embtel 392.3 Department’s primary concern at moment is to do whatever possible prevent further serious deterioration Pak-Afghan relations with possible dangerous consequences peace subcontinent and US security interests in area.
Accordingly request when and as you deem appropriate you seek interview with Prime Minister and inform him your Government has instructed you pass him following message:
Begin Verbatim Text. US values highly its friendly relations with the people and Governments of Afghanistan and Pakistan. It is deeply concerned over recent manifestations of some deterioration of relations between these two countries. This trend is contrary to the best interests of both nations and of the whole free world. It is therefore the sincere hope of the US that an attitude of calm and restraint will be observed by both sides. In the interests of restoring tranquility between Pakistan and Afghanistan we would assume GOA would give every possible consideration to arranging just restitution for harm done to Pakistani personnel and premises in Kabul. We would assume also that in the interests of peace GOA will undertake careful investigation of recent disturbances with view to discovery and punishment responsible perpetrators. In order to facilitate the restoration of normal and friendly diplomatic intercourse between the two countries, we hope GOA will not weaken its diplomatic representation in Karachi and that it may in fact be strengthened. US Ambassador Karachi being similarly instructed urge [Page 170] Pakistanis observe calmness and restraint make every effort maintain tranquil relations. End Verbatim Text.4
- Source: Department of State, Central Files, 689.90D/3–3155, Drafted by Thacher and approved by Jernegan. Repeated to Karachi, London, New Delhi, and Lahore.↩
- See footnote 2, supra .↩
- See Document 77.↩
- This message was delivered to Prime Minister Daud on April 6, as reported in
telegram 418 from Kabul of that same date. (Department of State,
Central Files, 611.89/4–655) During a subsequent conversation with
Ambassador Ward, Daud
“expressed warmest appreciation renewed assurances U.S. friendship
Afghanistan and assures USG that
GOA will continue work for peace
of area.” On April 7, Jernegan delivered similar representations to
Ambassador Ludin in Washington. (Memorandum of conversation by
Howison; ibid., 689.90D/4–755) In telegram
374 to Kabul, April 7, the Department of State informed the Embassy
that in the course of that conversation the Afghan Ambassador had
“expressed regret on being informed Americans molested,” but
“declared GOA could not retreat one
step in pursuance Pushtunistan policies, although he agreed they
might have dangerous consequences.” (Ibid.,
289.1122/4–755)
On April 13, Ambassador Ward reported in telegram 454 from Kabul that the Afghan Government had delivered an aide-mémoire to him that day in reply to the U.S. representations of April 6. It stated that “the decision of the government of Pakistan to incorporate Pushtunistan in one-unit West Pakistan has contributed to the excitement of the people and has led to the recent demonstrations in Afghanistan.” The Government of Afghanistan, it continued, “is interested in obviating further untoward events and it is necessary that the government of Pakistan also exert efforts toward suppressing actions designed to incite the people and offend the national sentiments of Afghans and Pushtuns.” (Ibid., 611.89/4–1355)
↩