689.90D/10–851: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Embassy in Afghanistan
138. While for purposes past negots Dept has been willing give GOA benefit of doubt re GOAs initial acceptance Nov 6 approach (Embtel 167 Nov 13, 1950)1 is now apparent GOA has had mental reservations in addition to suggestions listed in ref tel. Dept therefore hopes Emb will not encourage GOA (Embtel 178 Oct 8, 1951) believe USG now considers GOAs acceptance was unqualified. GOAs original mental reservations evidenced by subsequent efforts introduce Pashtoonistan issue.
Dept also hopes Emb will not make further ref to Pashtoon problem in context of second para Embtel 178 Oct 8. Dept has studiously avoided volunteering to GOA or Afghan Emb officials any interpretation GOP position vis-à-vis demarche. Informing GOA that US had hoped discussions wld include Pashtoon question might be maliciously interpreted to GOP by GOA as US support for “Pashtoonistan” campaign which aims at dismemberment Pak. Emb will recall that in his initial comment on US approach (Embtel 159 Nov 6, [Page 1993] 1950)2 FonMin was careful to remind Emb Afghans held tribal areas to be “independent”.
Dept wld appreciate Embs estimate current activity GOI in support GOA Pashtoonistan campaign.
- Foreign Relations, 1950, vol. v, p. 1456.↩
- Not printed.↩