290. Memorandum From the President’s Deputy Special Assistant for National Security Affairs (Komer) to President Johnson1
Pakistan too. If we announce another India PL 480 allotment, State and AID urge that we at least make a private gesture toward Pakistan too. Pak needs are far less than those of India, but Ayub is under fire [Page 561] and has to show that we aren’t neglecting Pakistan after he came here.2 The minimum sensible (which would require no publicity) would be to tell the Paks we will shortly begin talks for a new interim PL 480 deal to cover their needs through spring (perhaps 200,000 tons of grain and 25,000 tons of oil). We could also invite the Pak Agriculture Minister (a friend) to come here next month, to match the Subramaniam visit.
This step commits us to little, while covering our Pak flank. We could spin out negotiations and terms as much as needed. Here is yet another “gimme”, but I can’t avoid making these pleas. I’m unfortunately the staffer responsible to you for half the beggars in the world.
Approve3
Hold up
- Source: Johnson Library, National Security File, Memos to the President, McGeorge Bundy, Vol. 19, Jan. 19–Feb. 4, 1966. Confidential. A handwritten note on the memorandum reads, “Rec’d 4:30 p.”↩
- In a February 5 telephone conversation with Vice President Humphrey, President Johnson noted that Ayub had run a political risk in taking the stand he did at Tashkent. Johnson felt that Ayub had reached an accommodation with India in good part in order to maintain his credibility with the United States. Johnson consequently felt that the United States should do what it could to help Ayub weather the political storm. (Johnson Library, Recordings and Transcripts, Recording of Telephone Conversation Between President Johnson and Vice President Humphrey, February 5, 1966, 10:15 a.m., Tape F66.04, Side B, PNO 1 40)↩
- President Johnson checked this option.↩