372. Letter From President Johnson to President Ayub1
Dear Mr. President:
Thank you for your letter of August 202 which arrived at a time when my closest colleagues and I have been reviewing the manner in which our own policies and actions in South Asia can best contribute to our common goal of peace and security. One of the elements of this review is, of course, our military supply policy. Your letter underscores the complexities of this problem, and you may be sure we have the concerns you express very much in mind.
We ourselves are troubled over what appears to be a growing atmosphere of mistrust and apprehension between Pakistan and India. I am especially concerned that this will make it harder for India and Pakistan to avoid an arms race which could threaten the development of your nations and compound our problems in helping. I am glad to know from you that Pakistan remains committed to negotiations with India as the way of solving the many troublesome issues that cause this situation. I believe that is Prime Minister Gandhi’s intention as well. I can only encourage you to persist in seeking to establish the kind of trusted communication between you and Mrs. Gandhi that will build confidence between your governments and make possible a more rational approach to the issues that now set you at odds.
Ambassador Locke has told me of the good talks he has had with you. I deeply appreciate the warm welcome you have given him.
With warm regards,
Sincerely,
- Source: Johnson Library, National Security File, Head of State Correspondence File, Pakistan, Vol. 2, President Ayub Correspondence, 1/1/66–12/25/67. No classification marking.↩
- See Document 369.↩