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

515. Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in Pakistan¹

Washington, October 9, 1968, 2339Z.

252851. Subject: Visit to Washington of Pakistan Foreign Minister.²

1. Talks with Pakistan Foreign Minister Arshad Husain went smoothly.

2. In pre-lunch informal private meeting October 8 with Acting Secretary Foreign Minister asked that President Ayub’s best wishes and best regards be conveyed to President Johnson. Acting Secretary undertook do so, mentioned Ambassador Hilaly’s effective role as Pakistan Ambassador here, and indicated high respect President Johnson and Department have for Ambassador Oehlert. Acting Secretary also took opportunity to mention to Foreign Minister importance which we attach to negotiations on Peshawar which would begin October 11 in Rawalpindi and to express hope these negotiations would be successfully concluded.

3. Acting Secretary gave luncheon in honor of Foreign Minister at 1 pm, after which discussions continued until 6:30 p.m. Participants on Pak side were Foreign Minister, Ambassador Hilaly and Minister Farooqi from Pakistan Embassy. Finance Minister Uquaili and Finance Secretary Ghulam Ishaq Khan joined in for economic assistance topic. In addition to Acting Secretary, US side included Deputy Secretary of Defense Nitze, Assistant Secretaries of State Hart and Bundy, Assistant Secretary of Defense Warnke, and other State and DOD officers, as well as AID Assistant Administrator Williams for economic topic.

4. Main topics covered were:

(a) Economic Aid Level: Pak concern about economic aid cutbacks came up several times. Main argument was that US aid had enabled Pakistan make significant progress in the development field but that a serious reduction in aid levels at this time would jeopardize whole development effort. Paks recognized that some cuts were necessary as a result of Congressional action but expressed hope level would not fall below $100 million. Paks also raised question whether US would approve Pak sale of approximately 500,000 tons rice which would help Paks make up for short fall in economic aid. Acting Secretary recognized superior Pak development performance and said that we would do the best we could with what Congress allocates but that the outlook was definitely not good. On rice question, it was suggested this matter should be raised with Secretary of Agriculture Freeman.

(b) Military Supply: Foreign Minister said that Secretary Rusk had promised him that a decision on subject of tanks might be reached before he left the US. Acting Secretary explained Congressional and public opinion problems on arms sales and traumatic effect on US attitudes of 1965 Indo-Pak war. Recognized that present policy unsatisfactory in many respects but problem was to find alternative. Said that he had hoped to be able to give specific answer on tanks but was unable to do so. He expected have an answer soon, however, and would be in touch. FonMin indicated desire GOP continue rely on US as primary source military supply. Brought up problem of aircraft replacement and indicated a Pak decision on future sources of supply would probably have to be taken within next six months. Acting Secretary said US understood GOP problem but that it was difficult to make a decision on this kind of problem at this time. Amb mentioned delays in spare parts shipments. DOD representative indicated this not likely be major problem and undertook be in touch with Embassy. Amb also raised questions regarding procurement Sidewinders in Europe and asked for US “helpful hints” this regard.

(c) Kashmir: FonMin reviewed efforts for Kashmir settlement. He recognized disadvantages of continuing hostility and indicated that President Ayub had instructed him do anything possible to seek a settlement. India, however, refused recognize Kashmir as a dispute. FonMin indicated that GOP may have to go back to UN, was not asking for anything now but would seek US advice when this point reached. In reply to question, FonMin said that Soviets had not followed up on Tashkent agreement.

(d) Farakka: FonMin said present inclination of GOP was to run out technical and Secretarial level talks in hope some way could be found settle Farakka issue. If no solution found, GOP would have to go to UN, World Court, or elsewhere to try to find way out. He said Soviets had raised question of Farakka with GOI. US side expressed hope talks would be constructive and indicated that from US viewpoint outside intervention might be counterproductive.

(e) Mid-East: Foreign Minister stressed importance of Jerusalem to Muslim world and urged compliance with Jerusalem Resolution. Said he believed Arabs willing undertake settlement but had nothing new to offer and did not indicate he was thinking of any initiatives in the UN on this subject.

(f) Communist China: FonMin not very forthcoming on this subject and confined his remarks to his personal observations. US side expressed thanks for Secretary Yusuf’s efforts in North Korea and China.

(g) Soviet Union: FonMin believed that Czech crisis posed a two-fold problem for Soviets: (1) ideological—whether Communist movement should be polycentric or monocentric, and (2) strategic—protection of Soviet spheres of influence.

5. Ambassador Hilaly’s small stag dinner for FonMin evening October 8 attended by Acting Secretary, Senator Sparkman, and key Department and DOD officials was warm, relaxed and informal. FonMin made apparent his awareness great US contribution to Pakistan’s progress and well-being and his appreciation for it.

6. October 9 lunch hosted by House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee Chairman Zablocki was marked success. Speaker McCormack attended and paid personal tribute to President Ayub. Despite fact that House had been in continuous session for 26 hours, many House members, including Committee Chairman Morgan and Congressman Sikes attended “working lunch” and participated in spirited discussion with FonMin on his views Communist China, Indo-Pak problems, and Pakistan’s development progress. This followed by session in Senate Foreign Relations Committee room with Acting Committee Chairman Senator Sparkman and Senator Hickenlooper. In both cases FonMin handled himself well and obviously left good impression on key Congressmen and Senators.

7. Throughout visit discussions were easy, friendly, and smooth flowing. FonMin expressed general agreement with US views on world situation, Soviet Union and Communist China. He indicated privately he completely satisfied with Washington visit and that his confidence in US sincerity and good-will of highest.

8. Press Guidance: Department used following guidance for press inquiries: “We are pleased that Pakistan’s Foreign Minister has been able to come to Washington. During the Foreign Minister’s brief visit he met Acting Secretary Katzenbach and other senior officials for an exchange of views on a wide range of topics including matters of world interests and bilateral concerns. Specific inquiries are to be answered with ‘I have nothing further to add.’” This guidance adhered to throughout. Press play here so far low key and uncontroversial.

Rusk

1. Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1967–69, POL 7 PAK. Secret; Limdis. Drafted by Spain and Prescott (NEA/PAF); cleared by Handley, Macomber, and Country Director for India Christopher Van Hollen (NEA/INC), cleared in substance by Glenn Lee Smith (NEA/P) and Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense Harry H. Schwartz (DOD/ISA); and approved by Katzenbach. Repeated to New Delhi and USUN.
2. Husain was in the United States for the session of the UN General Assembly. He met with Rusk in New York on September 30 in addition to the meetings in Washington on October 8 chaired by Katzenbach, and a meeting with Rostow on October 9. A record of Husain’s meeting with Rusk is ibid., POL PAK-US. Records of the meetings on October 8 are ibid., POL 27 INDIA–PAK, AGR 12 PAK, and DEF 1 PAK. A record of Husain’s meeting with Rostow is in the Johnson Library, National Security File, Country File, Pakistan, Vol. IX, Memos, 5/68–11/68.