139. Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in Pakistan 1
1485. Please inform Minister Finance Shoaib, and in your discretion President Ayub, that given fact that US Congress has not yet completed its authorization action on aid bill, given fact that after authorization process is completed it will be necessary to go through a separate appropriation procedure in the Congress, given reluctance of the Administration to make a pledge in advance of action by the Congress, and in view of certain other problems which we would be prepared to discuss with GOP should it wish, US is suggesting to World Bank that date of consortium meeting be postponed until after Congress adjourns. US thinking is that date of 27 September would allow adequate leeway and is so proposing to Bank.
You should also say that while postponement of consortium meeting will ultimately become public knowledge, our suggestion is that both USG and GOP should avoid premature publicity.
- Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1964–66, AID 9 PAK. Secret; Limdis. Drafted by Mann, cleared by Komer, and approved by Mann.↩