59. Memorandum From Robert Komer of the National Security Council Staff to the President’s Special Assistant for National Security Affairs (Bundy)1
McGB:
It looks as though Mikoyan’s surprise stopover in Delhi (en route to Djakarta) may have clinched MIG deal. Our DCM was told (Delhi 3851)2 that it was “confirmed” by Mikoyan. DCM regards die as cast, but a few of us here still hope there may be some F–104 play left for us. In any case, we can keep plugging HF–24 engine, in hopes that if it pans out we’ll have new case for limiting MIG purchases.
Meanwhile Paks seem to be whomping up another anti-US MAP for India campaign (note attached).3 To me, this is not yet the time to start being nice to Paks, but to growl back at them a while longer. Paks claim long-term US aid prevents India/Pak reconciliation, but in point of fact unless we keep them in suspense it is they who lose incentive for compromise with Shastri.
- Source: Johnson Library, National Security File, Country File, Pakistan, Vol. II, 6/64–11/64. Secret.↩
- Dated June 22. (National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1964–66, POL 7 INDIA)↩
- Two telegrams were attached. Telegram 2523 from Karachi, June 23, reported that Foreign Minister Bhutto told the National Assembly on June 22 that in light of the new U.S.-Indian military assistance agreement, the “time has come for Pakistan to undertake a reappraisal of its foreign policy and review her political and military commitments.” Telegram 2528 from Karachi, June 24, cited a local press report of that day that quoted President Ayub as charging the United States with basing its policy toward South Asia on opportunism and not hesitating to “let down friends.”↩