Office of the Historian

385. Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in Pakistan1

Washington, March 30, 1960—2:26 p.m.

2378. Re: Delhi’s 3215 to Department2 rptd Karachi 226, and Karachi’s 2269 to Department3 rptd New Delhi 279. Department concurs Ambassador Bunker’s recommendation that GOI be informed simultaneously re F104s and Sidewinders. In order minimize possibility leak, Department hopes Ambassador Rountree will discuss matter with President Ayub not later than April 8 if no earlier date possible. Approach to Ayub should be along same lines as for Sidewinders, Deptel 2041.4 Problem should be discussed with utmost frankness with Ayub and unless he raises objections which you judge to be of compelling importance he should be told USG considers it essential Indians be informed earliest in order avoid possibility they learn of U.S. decision re F104s through own intelligence sources. In such case Dept desires no doubt be left in Ayub’s mind that although we willing GOP communicate without delay to GOI decision re F104s, if he declines U.S. intends do so immediately. Following discussion with Ayub, Ambassador Rountree should communicate directly with Ambassador [Page 809] Bunker who upon receiving affirmative message may proceed immediately inform GOI.5

Herter
  1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 790D.5612/3–2860. Secret; Limit Distribution. Drafted by Poullada and approved by G. Lewis Jones. Also sent to New Delhi as telegram 3839.↩
  2. In telegram 3215, March 25, Bunker recommended that India be notified simultaneously of the U.S. decision to provide Pakistan with F–104s and Sidewinders. (Ibid., 790D.5612/3–2560)↩
  3. In telegram 2269, March 28, Rountree noted that he had an appointment with Ayub for April 8. He stated that he earnestly hoped that there would be no leaks regarding the F–104s or the Sidewinders at least until India was informed. (Ibid., 790D.5612/3–2860)↩
  4. Document 379.↩
  5. In telegram 4 from Murree, April 8, Rountree stated in part: “Although President Ayub not happy that we should feel it necessary inform Indians, he said he would leave matter to us. Accordingly, it will now be in order for Ambassador Bunker to tell GOI about F–104’s” (Department of State, Central Files, 790D.5622/4–860)↩