689.90D/11–2451: Telegram
The Ambassador in Afghanistan (Merrell) to the Secretary of State
251. My Brit colleague, who is leaving Kabul shortly on reassignment, recently called on ex-PriMin Hashim Khan (brother of present PriMin and uncle of King Zahir) to say farewell. He found Hashim with his nephew, ex-War Min Daud. In course conversation, Gardener gathered firm impression both men were extremely worried about imputations assassination Liaquat was agent GOA. Moreover, they seemed to have reached realization that Afghan–Pashtun propaganda has misfired. Gardener, who had many years’ experience this general area feels that present atmosphere is more propitious for some form of settlement Pak–Afghan rift than at any time since his tenure began over two years ago.
Gardener is of opinion, which I share, that reported release of 120 killers with orders infiltrate Pakistan and eliminate Pak public men (Karachi tel to Dept 524 Nov 15) seems incredible. We both consider that present GOA leaders are far too intelligent to adopt any such course of action, and we both believe it unlikely that any subordinate official wld dare to open prison gates without explicit authorization from above.
Dept pass Karachi. Sent Dept 251; rptd info Karachi 42. London unn.