329. Editorial Note
Two telegrams reported on Afghan President Babrak Karmal’s first official visit to the Soviet Union and the broader issue of the ongoing Soviet intervention in Afghanistan. On the eve of Karmal’s arrival, in telegram 16143 from Moscow, October 15, 1980, the Embassy noted: “the Soviets are not particularly optimistic about their Afghan adventure. They profess to be looking for a political settlement that could lead to a Soviet troop withdrawal and an improvement of relations with the United States. The initiation of talks between Pakistan and the Babrak Karmal government is seen as the first priority in moving toward this political settlement, with the aim of such talks being to halt passage of aid to the insurgents. They are not, however, willing to sacrifice Babrak Karmal at this point and there is no hint of excessive concern or dismay in the Soviet presentations.” (National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, D800492–0389)
Karmal was in Moscow October 16–17. A dinner speech by Brezhnev and a joint Soviet-Afghan statement signed on October 16 reiterated the Soviet position that it would not withdraw its forces until the insurgency ended. (Kevin Klose, “Brezhnev Renews Backing Of Afghan Government, Says Time on Its Side,” Washington Post, October 17, 1980, [Page 875] p. A23) In telegram 281700 to all diplomatic and consular posts, October 22, the Department commented on Karmal’s visit: “Declaring the Afghan revolution ‘irreversible,’ the Soviets took the occasion of Babrak Karmal’s mid-October visit to Moscow to reaffirm their support for him and for the Afghan peace plan of May 14. Moscow apparently still hopes to see Karmal’s hold on power strengthened—and the Parcham-Khalq rift in the ruling PDPA repaired. While the Soviets pledged continuing military support, no change in the Soviet involvement was foreshadowed.” (National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, D800504–0389)