Office of the Historian

43. Memorandum From the President’s Assistant for National Security Affairs (Brzezinski) to Secretary of State Vance1

Washington, March 30, 1979

SUBJECT

  • Soviet Allegations Concerning U.S. Role in Afghanistan (C)

The President has noted the Soviet allegations printed in Pravda and carried by TASS on March 29 (attached).2 He directed that CIA, ICA and State respond forcefully. He particularly wants emphasized the atheistic nature of the Soviet and Afghan governments.3 (S)

I have sent memoranda today to ICA and CIA reflecting the President’s desires.4 You will also want to follow up with your resources. Tom Thornton has already been in touch with your NEA bureau on a possible approach to Desai.5 (S)

We have also prepared material at the President’s direction for the use of Congressional leaders. This material has been sent to Senator Byrd by the Vice President, who worked on it himself, and I am attaching a copy for your information.6 (S)

Zbigniew Brzezinski
  1. Source: Department of State, Bureau of Intelligence and Research, Intelligence Liaison Files, TIN 980643000019, Box 3, Afghanistan, Non-Vector 1980–1985. Secret. A handwritten note at the bottom of the page indicates that the memorandum was received in S/S–I on April 2 at 9:50 a.m.↩
  2. Attached but not printed. The article alleged that the Unites States, Pakistan, China, and Iran were involved in a conspiracy to overthrow the government in Afghanistan. It went on to accuse the CIA of aiding Afghan rebel groups.↩
  3. An unknown hand underlined the second half of this sentence.↩
  4. Regarding these memoranda, see Document 44.↩
  5. Not further identified and not found.↩
  6. Not attached and not found.↩