Foreign Relations of the United States, 1969–1976, Volume E–8, Documents on South Asia, 1973–1976

129. Telegram 109643 From the Department of State to the Embassy in Pakistan¹ ²

Washington, June 7, 1973, 1452Z.

Subject:

• Bhutto’s Appeal for Help on Domestic Political Problem

Reference:

• Islamabad 4533

While fully appreciating critical nature of Bhutto’s problem in Baluchistan, our exceptional rapport with him, and your limited role {para 5 reftel}, risk is great that USG can be charged with involvement in Pak domestic political affairs. We confident Bhutto capable of finding alternate channel and request your disengagement as adroitly as possible.

1. Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Files 1970–73, POL 15–1 PAK. Confidential; Stadis; Exdis. It was drafted by Armin Meyer on June 6 and approved by Rogers, Sisco, and Porter.
2. Assistant Secretary of State of Near Eastern and South Asian Affairs Sisco ordered Chargé Sober to cease acting as a channel of communication between Prime Minister Bhutto and regional leader Mir Ghaus Bakhsh Bizenjo due to concerns that the U.S. could be accused of meddling in Pakistani domestic affairs.