Foreign Relations of the United States, 1969–1976, Volume E–7, Documents on South Asia, 1969–1972

87. Telegram Secto 52 From Secretary of State Rogers to the Department of State¹ ²

New York, October 22, 1970, 2046Z

Subj:

• Sec Visit UNGA: Secretary’s Conversation With Pakistan President Yahya

Summary: Yahya expressed pleasure with removal of U.S arms embargo. Regarding Pakistan elections he envisaged six months period after Constituent Assembly established before constitution could be drafted and new government established. If things do not go as planned Yahya did not know what would happen—perhaps a plebescite. Secretary advised that a new PL 480 program was nearing completion and President Nixon would have more to say on this subject. Considerable discussion about me with Yahya stating that result his meetings in Cairo he believed Sadat would follow Nasser policy but could go no further re peace. He felt UAR keen on settlement but needs help—otherwise UAR will be in “desperate straits”. Secretary pointed out dangers if GA debate should result in undermining Res. 242. End summary.

1. Conversation took place in room 35A of Waldorf at 10:15 a.m. October 21. US participants were Secretary, Asst. Secy Sisco, and Slator Blackiston. Pakistani participants were President Yahya; Foreign Secretary Khan; Ambassador to U.S Agha Hilaly; Ambassador Agha Shahi; PermRep; Mr. Nayek; Director UN Affairs in Foreign Ministry; and Mr. Zahir Fahooqi, Minister, Pakistan Embassy, Washington.

2. Secretary expressed pleasure that President Yahya was in U.S., said President Nixon was looking forward to their meeting. Secretary believed that relations between our two countries have improved. President agreed. “Your decision (re arms) has been most welcome in Pakistan”.

3. Secretary said we always have problem with Soviets but when we indicate desire to get along in a reasonable way some people think this means the US is getting soft or may be losing interest. He felt the Russians now understand that our desire to get along does not mean a weakening of resolve. President said that U.S. has been brought into a position where it must shoulder world problems. He believed U.S. posture of moderation was appreciated by both Russians and Communist Chinese even though this not stated publicly. Secretary noted that USSR had closed our air corridor to Berlin on eve of 4-power meeting during certain hours when we normally do not use the corridor. We had accordingly sent aircraft into Berlin at precisely the time the Russians had closed it. When Gromyko came here Secretary asked him what this was all about since the Soviet Union had professed a desire for better relations. Gromyko blamed it all on a subordinate’s decision. Secretary had said that this was a little hard to take but if this is what Gromyko wanted to say he would accept it.

4. Secretary asked about elections in Pakistan. Yahya said some of “his” politicians had made the charge that the elections had been postponed because of U.S. arm twisting. President said he could find no connection between two elements. With Ramadan coming politicians should cool off. After elections and the formation of the Constituent Assembly next step is drafting of a new constitution. Pakistan already has had three constitutions and the constitituions of most countries are all about the same. Just a few changes here and there to suit the particular situation. For pakistan it is a matter of allocation of powers between the federal government and the provinces. “If they cannot draft a constitution in 120 days they will never do so.” Secretary observed that the separation of powers between the federal government and the states is not precise in the U.S. Constitution. We owe much to the interpretations handed down by John Marshall. President believed that in “first stage” there would be a coalition government. He (Yahya) would appoint a Prime Minister and then a President would be elected. When this took place Yahya would lift martial law. All of this should take about six months. Secretary said this sounds good and we will watch with interest as it develops. President remarked that holding of elections was difficult but the later stages would be even more so. If a constitution is not drafted “I don’t know what will happen—perhaps a plebescite. The biggest mistake made by previous administration was that it considered the country one unit which it is most [not?].

5. Secretary said a new PL 480 agreement is in the final stages. He thought the President would have some more to say on this subject. Mr. Sisco said that we were looking at various projects for flood relief and control in East Pakistan.

6. President observed that repayment of loans to aid donors is costing almost as much as new aid received. Ambassador Hilaly said the American record is very good as our aid terms are the best. He hoped USG could speak to other donor countries whose terms are more onerous. Secretary observed that many countries are approaching us not with complaints about our actions but asking us to use our influence with other countries. This is not always easy.

7. Secretary referred to the case of President Kaunda of Zambia. Secretary explained how the President had tried to readjust his schedule to meet Kaunda and had offered October 19 at 9:30 a.m. We were told by the Zamiban Mission this was satisfactory even though meant Kaunda speech had to be rescheduled. We made public announcement of meeting. We have told Kaunda that if President Nixon intended to snub him he would know it.

[Omitted here is a concluding discussion of the Middle East.]

1. Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Files 1970–73, ORG 7 S. Confidential; Priority; Exdis. Also designated USUN 2646. Sent with a request to repeat to Rawalpindi, Cairo, and Amman.
2. Secretary of State Rogers and Pakistani President Yahya met in New York during the meeting of the United Nations General Assembly. Yahya anticipated that it would take 6 months following the establishment of a constituent assembly based on the general election scheduled for December before a constitution could be drafted and martial law replaced with civilian government.