327. Letter From President Eisenhower to President Mirza 1
Dear Mr. President: Thank you for your personal message regarding recent developments in your country, and for your assurance that Pakistan will honor its commitments and remain loyal to the free world.2 It is always a matter of regret to me, as it must be to you, when a government feels it necessary to resort to extraordinary political measures to avert a national catastrophe. I was therefore gratified by your statement that martial law will remain in effect for the shortest period possible. I understand it is your intention to devise a new constitution and to submit it to a popular referendum.
I can well understand how much deep and anxious thought must have preceded your decision to assume the heavy responsibilities which now rest upon your shoulders. I hardly need emphasize the bonds of friendship and common interest which unite our two peoples. I wish you every success in the momentous tasks of furthering [Page 674] the welfare of the Pakistan people and of re-establishing constitutional government in Pakistan.3
Sincerely,
- Source: Department of State, Central Files, 611.90D/10–1158. Secret; Presidential Handling. Transmitted to the Embassy in Karachi in telegram 818, which is the source text. The letter was drafted by Howison and forwarded by Secretary Dulles to President Eisenhower in an October 10 memorandum. The President approved the letter without change on the following day. (Ibid., 110.11–DU/10–1058)↩
- Footnote [10 lines of text] was not declassified.↩
- In telegram 884 from Karachi, October 12, Langley reported that he delivered the President’s letter that day. Mirza indicated that he was pleased with the contents of the letter and suggested that he might like to release the text after consultation with Ayub. (Department of State, Central Files, 611.90D/10–1258) In telegram 833 to Karachi, October 13, the Department of State informed the Embassy that the White House would prefer that Eisenhower’s letter not be released. (Ibid., 611.90D/10–1358)↩
- Telegram 818 bears this typed signature.↩