Foreign Relations of the United States, 1964–1968, Volume XXV, South Asia

496. Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in Pakistan ¹

Washington, May 21, 1968, 0044Z.

167508. For Ambassador Oehlert from Battle.

1. Pakistani Foreign Minister’s public statement re termination Peshawar arrangement² causing deep concern here with respect to possible implications this statement on aid bill. I appreciate your vigorous efforts to prevent or moderate statement³ and recognize that it will be difficult undo damage. Nevertheless, in event opportunities occur I want you to be aware serious concern at high levels in Executive Branch re implications for whole aid program and trust you will do what you can to bring these home to top levels GOP.

2. We expect to have technical study completed by Executive Branch in next few days evaluating relative importance Peshawar and will be in touch with you again then.⁴

Rusk

1. Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1967–69, AID (US) 1 PAK. Secret; Exdis. Drafted by Battle on May 20, cleared by Spain, and approved by Battle.
2. See footnote 2, Document 495.
3. Oehlert reported on these efforts in telegram 5169 from Rawalpindi, May 20. (National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1967–69, DEF 15 PAK-US)
4. In a May 23 memorandum to Rostow, Hamilton summarized the conclusions of the study. The primary conclusion was that the Peshawar installation was much less important than it had been in previous years. The study recommended against a major effort or a quid pro quo to keep the facility. (Johnson Library, National Security File, Files of Walt Rostow, Visitors—1968)