161. Summary of Conclusions of a Policy Review Committee Meeting1
SUBJECT
- Southwest Asia
PARTICIPANTS
-
STATE
- Secretary Cyrus Vance
- Deputy Secretary Warren Christopher
- Mr. David Newsom, Under Secretary for Political Affairs
- Mr. Harold Saunders, Assistant Secretary for Near Eastern and South Asian Affairs
-
OSD
- Secretary Harold Brown
- Deputy Secretary W. Graham Claytor, Jr.
-
JCS
- Admiral Thomas Hayward
- Lt. General John Pustay
-
DCI
- Admiral Stansfield Turner
- Deputy Director Frank Carlucci
-
WHITE HOUSE
- Dr. Zbigniew Brzezinski, Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs
- Mr. David Aaron, Deputy Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs
-
NSC
- Mr. Thomas Thornton, Staff Member
- Mr. Marshall Brement, Staff Member
The PRC met to discuss the situation in Southern Asia, especially in light of recent events in Afghanistan.2 Admiral Turner briefed on the fast-moving situation in Kabul, noting that the Soviet military presence in the country was as high as perhaps 10,000. (S)
The policy discussion was based on a paper provided by the State Department.3 Three points were made in discussing the premises of the paper:
[Page 424]—We can usefully exploit the Iranians’ fear that we might promote disintegration. In fact, however, it was agreed that disintegration was probably not in our interest unless Iran were, or were becoming, irrevocably pro-Soviet. (S)
—The prospects for Pakistan are questionable in the long run, but not as bleak as the paper suggests. We should not write Pakistan off. It might well be possible for us, for instance, to deal with military or civilian successor regimes as we are dealing with Zia. (S)
—Although India will be disturbed by the events in Afghanistan, it is not likely to take any effective action to impede Soviet expansion. (S)
Regarding policy toward Pakistan, it was agreed that we must reopen a fundamental dialogue to reassure them that they do not stand alone.4 We will also have to offer tangible support and find a way to deal with the nuclear problem. In specifics:
—A high-level, security-oriented mission should go to Pakistan promptly. (S)
—We shall move quickly to approve the pending $40 million PL–480 program and supply additional refugee relief through UNHCR. (S)
—We shall open the military sales channel (equipment mentioned included artillery, anti-tank and anti-aircraft weapons, helicopters and transportation equipment.) (S)
—On the nuclear issue, we will reiterate our previous policy but will not press for further assurances on testing, given the fact that Pakistan lacks the capability to test in any event and the need to introduce a more positive tone to our relationship. (S)
—We will also explore the possibility of revising the Symington amendment to get into it the national interest waiver provision contained in the Glenn amendment. (S)
With regard to India, the following points were agreed:
—We will also send a high-level mission to India as soon as feasible after the Indian elections. (S)
—We are prepared to make available to India some of the high-technology, non-weapon military items that they are interested in. (S)
—The PRC will recommend to the President that he send to the Congress with favorable recommendation the nuclear fuel supply request now with the NRC, and submit the next license to the NRC for their consideration. (It was noted that ACDA, which did not attend the meeting, would have to be consulted. ACDA subsequently gave its concurrence.) (S)
[Omitted here is material unrelated to India.]
- Source: Carter Library, National Security Affairs, Brzezinski Donated Material, Subject File, Box 25, (Meetings—PRC 134: 12/27/1979). Secret. The meeting took place in the White House Situation Room. For the full text of the minutes of this meeting, see Foreign Relations, 1977–1980, vol. XII, Afghanistan, Document 102.↩
- For details of the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan, see Document 394. Documentation is printed in Foreign Relations, 1977–1980, vol. XII, Afghanistan.↩
- Not found.↩
- See Document 396.↩