Foreign Relations of the United States, 1958–1960, South and Southeast Asia, Volume XV

115. Memorandum of a Conversation Between the Afghan Ambassador (Maiwandwal) and the Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern and South Asian Affairs (Rountree), Department of State, Washington, October 15, 1958¹

Washington, October 15, 1958

SUBJECT

• Afghanistan-Pakistan Relations

Ambassador Maiwandwal called to continue his discussions of recent developments in Pakistan and to obtain additional information which he could convey to his government.

The Ambassador stated that Prime Minister Daud was recently interviewed by a representative of the Bakhtar News Agency relative to developments in Pakistan. The Prime Minister expressed deep regret over the arrest of Ghaffar Khan and Samad Khan but declined to comment. Ambassador Maiwandwal said that he had requested Prime Minister Daud to refrain from comment until he submitted his report on the views of the United States Government, which he hoped would be optimistic in connection with the future of Afghanistan–Pakistan relations.

Ambassador Maiwandwal expressed the hope that President Mirza would reassure the authorities in Kabul that he would act consistent with the aspirations of the Pushtu people. He observed that President Mirza is now in a position to advance the establishment of a Pushtu province in Pakistan.

Mr. Rountree stated that he was personally optimistic that cordial relations would be maintained between Afghanistan and Pakistan. He emphasized that President Mirza is an advocate of closer relations between the two countries. Mr. Rountree expressed confidence that Mirza would act consistent with this friendly attitude. He thought it was significant that the Afghan Ambassador in Karachi was invited to attend the important meeting at which Mirza and Ayub announced the formation of the new government. He reiterated that the United States’ interest in rapprochement between Afghanistan and Pakistan is not diminished.

Mr. Rountree thought Prime Minister Daud was wise to be restrained and cautious in his public comments relative to developments in Pakistan. He expressed the view that it might help establish a basis for reciprocal action if the RGA would indicate confidence that problems between Pakistan and Afghanistan would be resolved.

Ambassador Maiwandwal responded by saying that such a course of action would present some internal political problems, particularly with the Pushtu people. Mr. Rountree replied that the reaction in Afghanistan would depend on how this confidence was expressed.

Ambassador Maiwandwal wondered whether there was any possibility of obtaining the release of Ghaffar Khan and Samad Khan, the two Pakistan Pushtu leaders recently arrested by the new regime in Pakistan. He believes the release would benefit Afghanistan–Pakistan relations. Mr. Rountree stressed that the United States could take no action which might be construed as interference on its part in the internal affairs of Pakistan. He said that in our efforts to be helpful in connection with relations between Afghanistan and Pakistan, we must, of course, act in accordance with this principle and within limits of propriety. He stated that the United States would particularly regret any arrests which do not constitute a threat to the national security of Pakistan. Mr. Rountree pointed out that we do not have details on the arrest of Ghaffar Khan and Samad Khan. As we discuss developments with the Government of Pakistan and obtain the facts, we will share them with Ambassador Maiwandwal.

Ambassador Maiwandwal thought the establishment of the new regime in Pakistan could be a turning point in better relations between Afghanistan and Pakistan. He believes the Government of Pakistan is now in a better position to undertake measures to solve outstanding problems. He indicated that the question of creating a Pushtu province within Pakistan was the principal obstacle to better relations between the two countries. The Ambassador stated that the creation of such a province would not be a loss to Pakistan and would please the Afghans.

Mr. Rountree told the Ambassador that he might wish to inform his government of the United States’ hope and confidence that the reaction of the RGA to developments in Pakistan will be constructive. In our contacts with the Government of Pakistan we will do what we can to promote better relations. This is what we have sought in the past; this is what we now seek.²

1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 689.90D/10–1558. Secret. Drafted by Bolen.
2. Telegram 226 to Kabul, October 17 (also sent to Karachi), summarized Rountree’s conversations with Maiwandwal on October 13 and 15. (Ibid., 790D.00/10–1758)