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

116. Telegram From the Embassy in Pakistan to the Department of State ¹

Karachi , October 29, 1958—10 a.m.

1049. Reference: Deptel 914.² Exigencies McElroy visit³ and exit Mirza postponed opportunity to talk about Pakistan-Afghanistan relations with Prime Minister until after post abolished and its occupant, General Ayub, became President.⁴ It then imperative, because previously Mirza had been permitted to set tone of GOP attitude towards RGA, determine Ayub’s attitudes and convictions this subject. Using fact I am visiting Kabul October 31–November 2 as excuse, saw President Ayub by appointment his first day in office.

Ayub expressed desire GOP for friendly relations with RGA. He indicated belief continuation present regime in Kabul in GOP interest, but expressed concern at Soviet infiltration of country. He dismissed arrests of Ghaffar Khan and Samad Khan Achakzai as internal GOP security problem and in no way intended as an affront to Afghanistan.

I told Ayub US appreciative of GOP efforts to improve relations with Afghanistan peacefully and constructively, and hoped such a policy would continue. I said I would attempt to reassure Afghanistanis as to GOP intentions in any talks I might have with them in company of Ambassador Mills coming weekend. Mirza had previously told me he felt my visit to Kabul could be helpful to GOP at this time and Ayub of same opinion. However, Ayub’s mind concentrated on more pressing internal problems at this time, and further development of his position regarding Afghanistan will undoubtedly hinge upon advice of new political associates.

Upon my return from Kabul will seek opportunity to discuss matter with him more at length and leisure in effort to balance political and military considerations in his mind. Discussions I had with Generals Musa and Rana in Peshawar past weekend indicated military defense considerations may tend to overwhelm political judgments in Ayub regime. Musa, other hand, is perhaps most anti-Communist of all Pakistani generals.

Langley

1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 689.90D/10–2958. Secret. Repeated to Kabul.
2. In telegram 914, October 22, also sent to Kabul, the Department requested Ambassador Langley, on a suitable occasion, to “mention to Mirza and Ayub that we understand RGA somewhat apprehensive over recent arrests Ghaffar Khan and others and reiterate desirability from free world’s viewpoint of maintaining and if possible of improving good Pak-Afghan relations. Ambassador might note we assume Pakistan leaders are of same opinion in light benefits accruing to Pakistan by close, amicable ties with Afghanistan.” (Ibid., 790D.00/10–2258)
3. Secretary of Defense McElroy was in Pakistan, October 23–27; see Document 331.
4. On October 27, Mirza announced that he was resigning in order to hand over all power to Ayub Khan. That evening, Ayub became President of Pakistan.