Office of the Historian

383. Telegram From the Embassy in Pakistan to the Department of State1

Rawalpindi, November 1, 1966, 1254Z.

1667. Dept pls pass Harriman. Discussion with President Ayub: Military Supply Relationships.

1.
During meeting of Governor Harriman2 and myself today with President Ayub I conveyed in brief discussion of about fifteen minutes military supply relationship approach as set forth SecState 71125.3
2.
Ayub’s response was moderately encouraging although still in general terms. Ayub indicated Pakistan already had received nearly all military equipment contracted under current arms deals with China. He added Pakistan is also seeking obtain some materiel from USSR but indicated he is not “pushing” Russia as he hopes hear from US first.
3.
Ayub implied both arms limitations and arms sources are appropriate subjects for discussion and indicated Pakistan continues deeply desire limit armaments. This regard, Ayub charged India had built up military much more than Pakistan and had obtained massive quantities of equipment which unsuitable for deployment in mountainous terrain fronting China and therefore aimed only at Pakistan. He added Pakistan has no intention of attacking India and simply wants to survive as integrated and stable country. Ayub authorized Foreign Minister Pirzada and Foreign Secretary Yusuf who also were present to explore general subject further with me.
4.
Given primary purpose of meeting to discuss Manila Conference, and Governor Harriman’s tight schedule, it proved impossible to discuss subject in greater detail this occasion. I intend take matter up further with Pirzada and Yusuf as suggested by Ayub. Presumably Embassy Delhi may wish to defer action pending further soundings here.
Locke
  1. Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1964–66, DEF 12–5 PAK. Secret; Priority; Exdis. Repeated to New Delhi.↩
  2. Harriman was in Rawalpindi to brief Ayub on the results of the Manila Conference. He sent his report of the discussion with Ayub on November 1 to President Johnson and Secretary Rusk in telegram 1958 from Tehran, November 1. (Ibid., POL 7 US/HARRIMAN) Harriman’s account of the discussion with Ayub focused on Vietnam. He also sent an account of the meeting he and Bowles had with Gandhi on October 31. That conversation also focused on Vietnam, and Harriman reported that the Prime Minister was assertive, insisting that the United States stop the bombing of North Vietnam without prior conditions. (Telegram 1959 from Tehran, November 1; ibid.)↩
  3. Document 382.↩