780.5/6–2354: Telegram
No. 216
The Chargé in Pakistan (Emmerson) to the
Department of State1
1065. Prime Minister asked me call yesterday evening, showed me letter from UK HICOM proposing GOP send one representative from each Pakistan armed service to UK for general talks on Middle East defense with particular emphasis on shipping. Letter stated these talks were envisaged as continuing very close and frank discussions started between British chiefs of staff and General Iskander Mirza during latter’s sojourn London. UK HICOM stated commitments would grow out of talks and he felt sure there be no objection from Americans. Letter referred to document on [Page 521] shipping provided by UK but which Prime Minister stated he has not received.
Prime Minister said in view close United States–Pakistan relationship he did not wish reply British request before consulting us. In general he favorably inclined proposal, believes British could be particularly helpful with respect shipping since in case Pakistan were to make defense contribution it would be completely dependent on outside help for sea transportation. Prime Minister said, however, he did not wish any conflict between talks with British and United States military aid program. I expressed agreement latter point of view, said would be unfortunate if there were lack coordination on military discussions held with UK and with United States. Stated would seek Department reaction and advise him soonest. Prime Minister requested reply soon as possible so he can answer UK request.
UK HICOM has not discussed this matter with Embassy, but United States Army Attaché learned from his British opposite that British Chiefs of Staff felt they making useful progress in discussion with Mirza at time his recall for East Pakistan assignment.
Although UK HICOM stated no commitments involved in discussions seems clear they will have to be conducted on basis certain agreed assumptions, and they certain to crystallize Pakistan thinking to some extent. Mission of United States MAAG Pakistan2 might thus be complicated from outset by existence of tacit UK–Pakistan understanding not completely consistent with United States objectives. In Embassy’s view these considerations underline desirability early United States–UK staff talks aimed at developing agreed position on Middle East defense as preliminary to widening discussion to include Pakistan and Turkey.
If Department and Defense consider it desirable, Embassy believes we could reasonably request Pakistan’s defer discussion with UK until United States MAAG established and has had opportunity review proposed initial aid program with Pakistanis. Appears also reasonable line for Pakistanis to take with British. On assumption that United States–UK staff talks will take place this summer, prior opportunity would thus be provided to work out agreed United States–UK position and minimize possible conflict of interests in Pakistan.
If United States–United Kingdom talks not to take place within next few months, Department may wish handle on some other [Page 522] basis. In any event, Embassy would appreciate prompt advice as to reply to make to Prime Minister.
- Repeated to London.↩
- For documentation on the development of the U.S. military assistance program in Pakistan, see vol. XI, Part 2, pp. 1818 ff.↩