Foreign Relations of the United States, 1951, Asia and the Pacific, Volume VI, Part 2

689.90D/10–2051: Circular telegram

The Secretary of State to Certain Diplomatic Offices ¹

secret

Washington, October 20, 1951—3:57 p. m.

377. Afghan Chargé handed Dept Oct 18 translated communiqué from Kabul for local press, stating in summary if GOP identification Liaquat’s assassin² Seyed Akhbar as Afghan national correct, it was clear Akhbar had no connection Afghanistan for reasons that Akhbar and brother involved in unsuccessful insurrection against GOA 1944 southern province fol which they interned India. Communiqué indicated GOA revulsion assassination.

Approval expressed restrained tone Afghan disclaimer and hoped sympathetic dispassionate attitude wld continue so as avoid aggravating relations two countries during difficult period while facts motivation still not clearly established.

Emb Kabul shld seek occasion soonest convey substance above remarks to FonOff. While Dept recognizes necessity Afghan pronouncement in answer implications press reports, believes best interest both countries served by limiting public discussion. Request earliest transmission fullest info and Emb comments re alleged 1944 insurrection and possibility Commie instigation assassination.

Acheson

1. Sent to the Ambassadors in Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, the United Kingdom, and the Soviet Union.
2. The Prime Minister of Pakistan, Liaquat Ali Khan, was assassinated on October 16 in Rawalpindi, Pakistan.