159. Editorial Note
Soviet Premier Nikita S. Khrushchev visited Afghanistan, March 2–5, as part of a trip which included visits to India, Burma, and Indonesia. A joint communiqué, signed by Khrushchev and Daud and issued on March 4, noted that “the two sides exchanged views on the destiny of the Pushtu people and expressed their agreement that the [Page 336] application of the principle of self-determination on the basis of the United Nations Charter for settling this issue would be a reasonable way of easing tension and ensuring peace in the Middle East.” The text of the communiqué is printed in R.I.I.A., Documents on International Affairs, 1960 (New York, 1960), pages 483–486.
Both President Ayub and Foreign Minister Qadir criticized the joint communiqué. Qadir stated that Soviet support for Afghanistan’s claims constituted “unwarranted” interference in Pakistan’s affairs; Ayub commented that Afghanistan’s claims were “without any legal foundation.” (Telegram 2085 from Karachi; Department of State, Central Files, 689.90D/3–760; airgram G–254 from Karachi; ibid., 689.90D/3–1060)