389. Telegram From the Embassy in Pakistan to the Department of State1
13220. Subject: (C) Diplomatic Corps Protest and Demarche to GOP.
1. (C–Entire text).
2. Dean of Dip Corps Islamabad (FRG Amb Scheske) called meeting of Corps Nov 24 to get concurrence in demarche to GOP protesting inadequate security in Islamabad area and also slow GOP response to events at AmEmbassy Nov 21. Amb Hummel did not stimulate this action and did not see draft until few minutes before meeting. Amb did give oral briefing to meeting of Corps at their request.
3. As authorized by Dip Corps, FRG Amb made oral demarche to FonSec Shahnawaz Nov 25, left aide memoire, and asked for meeting with Pres. Zia, which has yet to take place. Shahnawaz was quote defensive and not forthcoming about GOP security shortcomings. FRG Amb is not rpt not distributing to Corps text of aide memoire because to do so would cause leak of its sharp language to press that would [Page 875] detract from prospect for constructive GOP response. FRG has given Embassy one copy. Please hold closely in Washington.
4. Begin text: “As Dean of the Diplomatic Corps in Islamabad I have been asked by the Corps to make the strongest protest at the events of 21st November when the American Embassy and residential compound, as well as the British Council Library, the American Cultural Centre and other American buildings in Rawalpindi, Islamabad and elsewhere in the country were burnt down.
“The savage attack on the US Embassy building and the killing of four members of the Embassy staff are ample evidence that adequate protection was not provided by the competent authorities. Conspicuous was the lack of any warning by the authorities about the preparation of the attack, the obvious weakness and helplessness of the police forces deployed around the Embassy buildings, the absence of any timely efforts by the fire brigade to extinguish the fire and the belated appearance of military forces on the scene. No provision was made to cordon off the roads leading to the US Embassy in order to stop further demonstrators arriving from Rawalpindi. All the actions that were eventually taken came too late to prevent total destruction of the Embassy and loss of life.
“Some events are still shrouded in mystery and need clarification:
—Why was it not possible to give some warning of the likelihood of an attack?
—Why did the Army operation to clear the premises of the US Embassy only start so long after the attack?
—Why have no arrests been announced so far in connection with the events? It cannot be difficult for the Martial Law authorities to identify those responsible.
“The events of 21st November which were witnessed by several diplomats, have grave implications for the whole Diplomatic Corps in Islamabad and must give rise to concern over their future safety.
“I do not need to draw your attention to the fact that in international law the host government bears the full responsibility for the security of the Diplomatic Corps. In this connection, the Diplomatic Corps has noted with satisfaction the concern expressed and the assurances given by His Excellency the President of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan.
“The Diplomatic Corps recalls the suggestions made earlier by the Dean to improve the security of the Corps and is of the opinion that full and adequate protection should be given to the life and property of the Diplomatic Corps as well as to foreign institutions in Pakistan.
“The Diplomatic Corps requests that these measures should be implemented immediately and I would like your confirmation that this has been done. Islamabad 24th November 1979”.
- Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, D790547–0952. Confidential; Immediate; Exdis.↩