133. Editorial Note
At the Secretary’s Staff Meeting on June 24, developments in Afghanistan were discussed. According to the notes of the meeting, the discussion went as follows:
“In connection with Mr. Rountree’s exposition yesterday, the Secretary inquired as to whether there were hopes of an early solution to the Pakistan-Afghanistan difficulties and whether it was urgent to find one. Mr. Rountree said that there have been active explorations and discussions going on between our Embassies as well as by various representatives of the two countries but that little of a concrete nature has evolved. Mr. Henderson said he personally felt there was little hope for early solution to the Pushtunistan problem.” (Department of State, Secretary’s Staff Meetings: Lot 63 D 75)
Also on June 24, the OCB discussed Afghanistan at its luncheon meeting:
“One of the members of the Board asked for an evaluation of the seriousness of the situation in Afghanistan as reflected in Ambassador Byroade’s recent telegram. Mr. Murphy responded that U.S. competition with the Soviets in Afghanistan had perhaps been adversely affected by recent Soviet overtures to the Afghans. He advised the Board of the plan to have Ambassador Byroade visit Karachi in an effort to promote a Pakistan-Afghanistan rapprochement on the Pushtunistan issue; on the consideration being given to an invitation to King Zahir to make a State visit to the U.S.; and other measures which the Department has under study to improve the U.S. position in Afghanistan.” (Memorandum from Sheppard to Rountree, June 24; ibid., S/S–OCB Files: Lot 61 D 385, Afghanistan)