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

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

Karachi, March 5, 1960—7 p.m.

2070. At meeting yesterday with President Ayub in Rawalpindi, I discussed military aid as authorized Deptel 2041 and 2171,² leaving aide-mémoire copy of which will be pouched.³

When I completed review of what we prepared to do, ending with statement that US unable at this time give favorable consideration other advanced weapons mentioned by Ayub to President Eisenhower, Ayub said he extremely grateful for what I had told him. He said he knew these decisions were the result of President Eisenhower’s personal interest and he asked me to convey to President Eisenhower his appreciation.

I am sending separate message repeated to New Delhi concerning notification to India re Sidewinders.⁴

Ayub was particularly grateful for information concerning F–104s. I told him MAAG would be prepared soon discuss training which should commence in near future. I mentioned sensitivity this program in terms Pakistani-Indian and Pakistani-Afghan relations and fact it might stimulate premature demand by Iran for similar aircraft. I therefore asked that information regarding F–104’s be confined highest levels GOP for time being. President immediately agreed, but said he assumed arrangements would soon have to be made for receipt of aircraft and training which would involve knowledge by a good many people. I said we understood this but that close secrecy should be maintained at this stage and until it becomes necessary as practical matter to extend knowledge. I emphasized decision to provide F–104’s based upon Pakistan’s special military requirements.

While repeating his appreciation for decisions communicated, President said that reasonable military requirements should include some of the other items requested such as ground-to-air missiles. He said, however, that while he badly wanted these and earnestly wished that we were in a position to provide about 25 F–104’s he would not press these requests.

I assume instructions will soon be received Embassy and MAAG concerning next steps re F–104’s.

Rountree

1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 790D.5612/3–560. Secret; Limit Distribution.
2. Document 379 and supra, respectively.
3. This aide-mémoire was transmitted to the Department as an enclosure to despatch 787, March 7. (Department of State, Central Files, 790D.5–MSP/3–760)
4. Infra.