307. Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in the Soviet Union1
204570. Subject: Letter to Gromyko.
1. (S—Entire text)
2. You should deliver the following letter from Secretary Muskie to Gromyko as early as possible next week. You should seek an appointment with Korniyenko for this purpose and at the same time make the démarches on MBFR and Iranian hostages which you are being instructed by septel to make.2
[Page 818]3. Begin text:
Dear Mr. Minister:
—Your letter of July 22 raises questions concerning the Soviet position on withdrawal from Afghanistan.3 Since this is a central issue in our discussions of a possible political settlement in Afghanistan, I would appreciate any clarifications you can offer.
—We obviously differ on the significance of the military withdrawal you have announced. Our analysis indicates that this was part of a tactical redeployment designed to make Soviet units more effective. I would be interested in knowing whether there has been a reduction in the overall number of Soviet troops in Afghanistan, whether these withdrawals are permanent and whether you are prepared to undertake a process which would lead to complete withdrawal and a political settlement.
—In your letter of July 22, there is no reference to ultimate Soviet withdrawal from Afghanistan. Is this a change in the Soviet position? If satisfactory assurances were provided would there be a simultaneous withdrawal of all Soviet troops?
—As we have said, we would be prepared to explore some transitional arrangement to facilitate such a solution. A government acceptable to the Afghan people would be essential.
—Finally, your letter of July 22 stresses that normalization of relations between Afghanistan and its neighbors should take place simultaneously with the cessation of “armed incursions into the territory of Afghanistan as well as of all forms of interference in the internal affairs of that country in general.” This implies that the Soviet Union would withdraw all its forces from Afghanistan to coincide with normalization of relations between Afghanistan and neighboring states. Is this your position?
—The questions I have posed in this and my last letter represent serious efforts to gain a clearer understanding of your position. I hope you will give them careful consideration.
—Sincerely, Edmund S. Muskie
End text.
- Source: Carter Library, National Security Affairs, Brzezinski Material, Country File, Box 83, USSR: 8/80. Secret; Immediate; Nodis; Cherokee. Drafted by Barry, cleared in NSC and S/S, and approved by Muskie.↩
- In telegram 12354 from Moscow, August 5, the Embassy reported it had delivered the Secretary’s letter to Korniyenko, Soviet First Deputy Foreign Minister, who “carefully read the letter and stated mildly that he would not attempt to respond immediately but would transmit it to Gromyko.” (National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, P900077–1730)↩
- See Document 306.↩