Office of the Historian

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

Washington, June 16, 1959—3:20 p.m.

697. Department concurs Ambassador Byroade proposed visit Karachi (Kabul tel 1038).2 In view apparent personal differences between Khattak and GOP officials exemplified Qadir description Khattak activities as “scheming”, Department feels RGA offer settle Pushtunistan dispute should, if possible, be disassociated from Khattak. In this connection it would seem important obtain support Pak Ambassador-Designate Rahman for settlement proposal before new approach made to GOP leaders, otherwise such approach might be undercut by opposition Pak Ambassador Kabul or GOP leaders may demur on grounds they must first obtain Rahman’s recommendations. Suggest therefore, this factor be taken into account in timing Byroade visit.

When conferring with GOP leaders during proposed visit suggest Ambassadors Byroade and Langley impress on them USG view that improved Afghan-Pak relations essential if free world is to counter effectively Soviet bloc penetration Afghanistan. Unrealistic to expect U.S. to carry full burden this task as suggested by Qadir (Karachi tel 2716).3 Present GOP attitude re Pushtunistan seems inconsistent with its concern threat Soviet presence in Afghanistan allegedly poses for Pakistan as expressed by Qadir and other GOP officials particularly in SEATO and Baghdad Pact forums. Afghan-Pak tensions inimical to Pakistan’s national interests and regional security since Soviets thus [Page 277] given opportunity to exploit situation. Mutual reduction such tensions would help ease dangerous sense frustration and isolation which important factors behind RGA gravitation toward USSR.

Dillon
  1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 689.90D/6–1259. Secret; Priority. Drafted by Bolen and Poullada and approved by Bartlett. Also sent to Karachi.↩
  2. Document 129.↩
  3. See footnote 2, Document 129.↩