Foreign Relations of the United States, 1961–1963, Volume XIX, South Asia

81. Telegram From the Embassy in Afghanistan to the Department of State ⁰

Kabul, December 30, 1961, 6 p.m.

429. Reference: Embassy telegram 428 to Department.¹ Following is text Foreign Office note re movement aid goods now in Pakistan; short unnecessary words omitted:

Complimentary opening.

“Have honor refer talks December 23 between Foreign Minister Naim and Ambassador Byroade.²

“In these talks, American Ambassador expressed his government’s desire and decision continue American aid Afghanistan and gave assurance his government’s willingness bring in equipment material for implementation American aid projects Afghanistan through transit channels other than Pakistan, while transit through Pakistan blocked. Use transit facilities through Iran was especially mentioned.

“Taking note American Government’s agreement as expressed by Ambassador Byroade, Minister Foreign Affairs reiterates expression by Foreign Minister Naim regarding RGA agreement to transportation equipment material bearing title USG and destined for different aid projects Afghanistan, at present blocked in Pakistan and at Peshawar, Quetta and Chaman because of Pakistan’s illegal and unilateral decision August last.

“RGA agrees to importation American Government aid material and equipment presently blocked in transit through Pakistan on following lines:

1. Importation transport equipment material defined above can be implemented through American offices and the facilities at their disposal.

2. Responsible authorities of RGA at Torkham and Spin-Baldak will duly execute customs formalities on above mentioned equipment and material.

3. Transportation and import above mentioned equipment material will be accomplished in 8 weeks beginning 15 January 1962.

4. This temporary arrangement shall be considered exceptional special case and will by no means affect declared Afghan stand regarding Afghanistan’s right of transit through Pakistan in its traditional and established form, a right which is fully reserved by RGA. On receipt confirmative reply this note, Ministry Foreign Affairs will duly inform pertinent offices Torkham and Spin-Baldak to facilitate customs procedures for duration set forth in numbered paragraph three above.”

Note concludes with complimentary closing.

Byroade

0. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 689.90D/12-3061. Confidential; Niact. Repeated to Karachi and Tehran.
1. In telegram 428 from Kabul, December 30, Byroade reported that on December 28 he had discussed an earlier draft of the note conveyed in telegram 429 with Etemadi of the Foreign Office. The draft had stipulated that the border would be opened for a period of 6 weeks. Byroade stated that the time frame proposed was insufficient. On December 30 he discussed the note again with Naim and Etemadi, and Naim indicated that he would extend the border opening to eight weeks. (Ibid.)
2. This conversation was reported in telegram 418 from Kabul, December 23. (Ibid., 689.90D/12-2361)