96. Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in the Soviet Union1
331394. Subject: Soviet Troop Movements Into Afghanistan. Reference: Kabul 8592.2
1. (S—Entire text)
2. You should seek appointment with Gromyko or highest available level as soon as possible on question of Soviet troop deployments into Afghanistan (reftel). Talking points are as follows.
3. —The United States is fully aware that the Soviet Union has begun introducing large numbers of Soviet military forces into Afghanistan in recent days, with large numbers of flights landing at Kabul Airport.
—The introduction of large numbers of Soviet combat-equipped units into Afghanistan on December 25–26 can only be considered as direct, deliberate intervention in the internal affairs of that country, with obvious consequences for the peace and stability of the region as a whole.
—The U.S. side asks the Soviet Government for immediate clarification of its actions and intentions with regard to the situation in Afghanistan. It is obvious that the U.S. interest is real, legitimate, and urgent, involving not only our interest in the independence of Afghanistan, as a sovereign country, but posing clear implications for the international community as a whole.
4. You should add orally that the United States has the firm expectation that the introduction of Soviet forces into Kabul and elsewhere in Afghanistan will in no way lead to any situation which places the safety of American personnel in Afghanistan in jeopardy.
- Source: National Archives, RG 59, Office Files of Marshall D. Shulman, Special Advisor to the Secretary on Soviet Affairs, 1977–1981, Lot 81D109, untitled folder. Secret; Niact Immediate; Nodis. Sent for information Immediate to the White House. Drafted by G.L. Matthews (EUR/SOV); cleared by Shulman and in EUR, NEA, S/S, and S/S–O; and approved by Vance.↩
- See Document 94.↩