53. Memorandum From Robert W. Komer of the National Security Council Staff to President Kennedy0
SUBJECT
- First Round of Merchant Talks
Merchant has seen both the top Pakistani and Afghans. Now he will attempt to devise some compromise for sale during second round of talks. He is not very optimistic about “securing agreement both governments at this time to any arrangement enabling traffic promptly to move again.”
Initial round showed no give in either government’s position. Ayub was cordial, admitted Paks had exercised “a bit of bluff” and reiterated Pak willingness reopen transit but not consulates or trade agencies. Daud and Naim in turn also want transit reopened but insist that it be on basis of restoring status quo ante (i.e. consulates).
Both say they are willing to leave aside political issues, but in fact Pushtunistan is the real bone of contention. It remains hard to see how a solution can be achieved without getting into this thorny problem. If Merchant can pull this one off in a few weeks, no one will be more surprised than he.