491. Memorandum From the Assistant Secretary of Defense for International Security Affairs (Warnke) to Secretary of Defense McNamara1
SUBJECT
- Peshawar Communications Facility
We have received official notification (Tab A)2 this past week from the Government of Pakistan stating its intentions to terminate the Peshawar agreement when it expires on 17 July 1969. The original agreement governing the establishment of a facility at Peshawar was concluded on 18 July 1959 and was to remain in force for a period of ten years, and for a second period of ten years thereafter unless either party gives written notice to the other at least twelve months before the end of the first ten year period of its desire to terminate the agreement. I recommend we proceed as set forth below.
We know the President discussed the matter with Mr. Katzenbach and Mr. Helms last Saturday morning. A consensus apparently was reached that the USG should remain silent for the present. A period of silence is, in our opinion, the best tactic. I believe, furthermore, we should not initiate conversations with the Pakistanis until we know exactly what we want to say and why. I also believe we should be non-committal with the Press.
Approve
Disapprove
I believe there is a pretty good chance the facility can be maintained beyond 1969, but that this will require careful and thorough identification and consideration of the problems involved. There are several elements of DOD with interest in these facilities and of course other government agencies. Accordingly, I recommend my office be the focal point for DOD participation in this problem.
Approve
Disapprove3
- Source: Washington National Records Center, RG 330, OASD/ISA Files: FRC 72 A 1498, 680.1 Pakistan. Secret.↩
- Reference is to telegram 4396 from Rawalpindi, Document 490.↩
- Deputy Secretary of Defense Nitze initialed his approval of both recommendations on April 13.↩