Foreign Relations of the United States, 1958–1960, South and Southeast Asia, Volume XV

368. Telegram From the Embassy in Pakistan to the Department of State¹

Karachi, September 17, 1959—noon.

672. Paris for USRO and CINCEUR. Reference: Depcirtel 236, September 8² and Deptel 603, September 10³ regarding refined 1960 MAP.

Country Team is seriously concerned by proposed heavy cut in tanks in FY 1960 MAP for Pakistan. If this cut remains consequences will adversely affect our military and political interests in Pakistan.

1. While from technical point of view we will have virtually completed deliveries under 1954 commitment by end 1959, this does not mean force levels achieved represent combat ready units. On contrary, Pakistan Army still requires trucks, tanks and signal equipment to replace World War II material originally considered as assets. These are urgent needs if Pakistan is to have effective ground forces.

2. Even assuming restoration of tanks, 1960 program is most austere one. In spite of constant pressure from Pakistanis for such advanced items as F–104s and Sidewinders, we are holding line to minimal equipment. We are repeatedly saying “no” to many requests. We cannot go further and reduce deliveries on needed tanks without major risk re Pakistan reaction.

3. Army portion of 1959 MAP was only approved June of this year and deliveries therefore delayed. Reductions 1960 program would constitute further slippage our entire effort here in military field.

Department also asks, in Depcirtel 236, whether reallocation MSP resources from military to non-military sector desirable. Answer is no. For variety of reasons, including important political ones, we should not attempt augment economic assistance at expense military objectives.

In conclusion, Country Team wishes emphasize austere nature MAP and fact we may desire and require Pakistan military contribution within framework our mutual collective security interests and obligations.

Rountree

1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 790D.5–MSP/9–1759. Secret. Repeated to Paris.
2. Circular telegram 236, sent to 30 diplomatic posts, informed the chiefs of mission that the Department of Defense had submitted for advance review by the Department of State a refined Military Assistance Program for fiscal year 1960. The cable warned: “Probable world-wide FY 60 MAP fund availability will not cover many valid high priority requirements but extremely important that total available funds be applied to produce maximum support US security objectives.” (Ibid., 700.5–MSP/9–859)
3. In telegram 603, the Department provided the Embassy with the tentative refined Military Assistance Program for Pakistan for fiscal year 1960. (Ibid., 790D.5–MSP/9–1059)