366. Telegram From the Embassy in Pakistan to the Department of State1
422. I presented my credentials this morning to President Ayub. In conversation following ceremony, President was extremely cordial and friendly, and warmly welcomed me to Pakistan. He seemed relaxed, enjoying excellent health and in confident mood.
Our talk was in presence of Foreign Minister, Chief of Protocol and Hall.2 President spoke of close relations between US and Pakistan, but alluded to misunderstandings which had arisen as result US Congressional criticism of US military aid to Pakistan as well as American aid to India.
[Page 758]Ayub said he personally and Pakistani officials generally understood that statements made by individual Senators and Congressmen did not necessarily reflect US attitude and policy toward Pakistan. Nevertheless, this was not universally true in Pakistan and there had thus been in turn a public reaction critical of American policy and questioning benefits to Pakistan of being close ally of US in light fact neutral countries receive equal or more help. He himself had felt compelled to respond to Congressional criticism and had not been reluctant to do this since he thought frank statements by him in rebuttal might be useful to US administration in its efforts, which he deeply appreciated, to put Pakistan programs in proper perspective.
Regarding aid to India, Ayub said he could not criticize US for extending help to India since this was for US alone to decide. Moreover he thought he understood motives of our aid program in India and our belief that assistance to India was only way in which Communist takeover in that country could be prevented. He said many Pakistanis, however, could not understand why US could not in context massive aid insist that India be reasonable in its attitude concerning disputes with its neighbors. In this connection he was very much encouraged by developments concerning Indus Waters dispute, and expressed appreciation to IBRD and US for their roles in matter which now seemed promising of solution.
The President’s remarks provided me excellent opportunity review generally state of US–Pakistan relations and explain Congressional procedures which inevitably and properly provide opportunity for full review and criticism of US policies and programs in one country or another. The President seemed impressed with my assurances concerning attitude of US toward Pakistan, US desire to strengthen Pakistan economy and our understanding of Pakistani security problems which brought about initiation and continuation of aid for military purposes. This latter form of aid, however, was the most difficult to justify to those believing that highest priority should be given economic problems. I reviewed various elements of US assistance to Pakistan, emphasizing magnitudes in each field. I pointed out that in development fields we had already extended over 100 million in Development Loan [Fund] funds, and DLF was actively considering other applications by GOP. It seemed to be that problems now were related not only to magnitude of aid but importantly to implementation of approved projects and the absorptive capacity of Pakistani administration and economy in connection with development assistance. I earnestly hoped, therefore, that in the period ahead every effort will be made by GOP, in connection with which we would extend all possible help, to carry through with approved projects.
[Page 759]Regarding aid to India, I again explained factors involved in our policy and emphasized again importance to Pakistan, to area and to free world of an economically stable India.
The President seemed to understand and appreciate my comments on these matters. His attitude throughout seemed constructive. He sucked up my remarks concerning utilization of authorized funds and outlined various steps which he had taken and intends to take which would place greater emphasis upon and efficiency in the actual execution of development works.
At conclusion of meeting, Ayub said he wished to emphasize that I was Ambassador to a friendly country and that he and his colleagues wished to extend to me every assistance in discharging my responsibilities. He hoped for frequent meetings.