177. Letter From President Eisenhower to King Zahir Shah1
Your Majesty: I was pleased to receive your letter of October twelfth delivered by Ambassador Maiwandwal. It recalled to my mind my memorable visit to Kabul which I so much enjoyed.
As your letter indicates, the subject of “Pushtunistan” arose in my talk with Deputy Prime Minister Naim on September twenty-third. I expressed to him at that time my willingness to look into the matter to [Page 367] see whether I could discover any way in which I might be helpful to our two friends who are involved in this controversy. I explained that it was not my thought that the United States might undertake a mediatory role in this difficult and complex problem and warned him that it was possible that after restudying the question I might find that I had no new ideas to offer.
I have now once again considered carefully and in the most friendly spirit the various aspects of this question and have come to the conclusion that the policy which the United States has followed for many years is the right one. As you know, this has been to encourage both countries to settle their differences by bilateral negotiations.
In this connection, I note with great satisfaction the statement in your letter that you will continue to seek a solution of your problems with Pakistan through peaceful means.
If in the course of any negotiations you believe that my Government can be of assistance, we will of course—as in the past—be pleased to consider what we might do to help without direct involvement.
With warm regard,
Sincerely,
- Source: Department of State, Central Files, 689.90D/10–1660. Secret; Presidential Handling. Transmitted in telegram 330 to Kabul, October 24, which is the source text. Telegram 330 was repeated to Karachi. The telegram informed the Embassy that the signed original was being pouched and noted the White House desire that the letter not be made public.↩
- Telegram 330 bears this typed signature.↩