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

94. Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in Pakistan¹

Washington, July 18, 1955—7:07 a.m.

126. Deptel 74² repeated Kabul 33. In your discretion reiterate to Prime Minister Mohammed Ali Secretary’s views outlined reftel.

You might also tell Mohammed Ali we unable share his government’s apparent confidence USSR not able and willing exploit situation in Afghanistan to degree dangerous to Pakistan and interests of free world. Information contained Deptel 115³ (to Kabul 43) may be used support expression our concern. Source should not be mentioned.

Request for relaxation embargo on Morrison–Knudsen supplies might be supported by allusion to MKA as important basis U.S. position in Afghanistan. Its withdrawal, which Afghans may contemplate, would weaken U.S. position in Afghanistan and thus our ability support constructive policies there in future. Should argument be repeated GOP cannot favor MKA having already refused representations by German and Japanese interests (Embtel 81), you might say while it not appropriate we speak on behalf these interests, we not seeking special position for U.S. firm at their expense.

FYI. Department’s concern over Afghan situation heightened by current estimate importance continued access to Afghanistan as potential source important strategic materials.⁴ End FYI

Hoover

1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 689.90D/7–1855. Secret. Drafted by Howison and approved by Allen. Also repeated to Kabul and London.
2. Supra.
3. In telegram 115, July 16, the Department informed the Embassies at Kabul and Karachi of evidence confirming reports of recent sharp increases in Soviet aid to Afghanistan. (Department of State, Central Files, 461.8941/7–1655)
4. Apparent reference to the possibility that uranium reserves might be present in Afghanistan. Documentation on this subject is ibid., Intelligence Files: Lot 58 D 776, Afghanistan File.