689.90D/10–851
The Ambassador in Afghanistan (Merrell) to the Secretary of State
178. Minister Foreign Affairs did not react very vividly to contents of Deptel 119, Sept 27, which I conveyed to him yesterday altho he indicated that he might send reply in writing. He did take exception, however, to phraseology “govts concerned have found it impossible agree on all four points US approach,” pointing out that GOA did accept all four points and that GOP alone had rejected fourth point. I told him that we thoroughly realized and appreciated this and that expression merely meant that agreement cld not be reached.
In course of conversation when I remarked that we had hope that expression “GOP will also be prepared to discuss with GOA all matters of common concern” in Pakistani counterproposal was meant to include question of Pashtuns, he said that this possibility had been ruled out (confirming their previous view) only a few days ago when the Pakistani Chargé had asked what they wanted besides recognition of Pashtun problem, that “they wld give them anything else.” To this Minister Foreign Affairs replied to Chargé that they were not “bargaining,” that they felt other problems cld be solved after relations were improved.
Pakistani Chargé confirmed to Horner today that he had suggested willingness his govt to make important concessions in economic field, with strong implication this wld constitute return for GOA relinquishment Pashtun issue. Chargé went on to say that response Ali Mohd was emphatic negative.
Dept pass Karachi, London, New Delhi. Sent Dept 178, rptd info Karachi 2, London 12, New Delhi 8.