Foreign Relations of the United States, 1961–1963, Volume XIX, South Asia

108. Telegram From the Embassy in Pakistan to the Department of State⁰

Karachi, March 4, 1962, 8 p.m.

1523. Embassy telegram 1520.¹ Ambassador Bowles reviewed India-Pakistan relations with Ayub and MEA officials in separate meetings yesterday. Ayub expressed views similar those recent letter President Kennedy concerning Nehru and India,² but indicated he might be prepared meet Nehru on Kashmir if fruitful preliminary meeting first held at official or ministerial level to prepare basis discussion.

Ambassador Bowles pressed Ayub and MEA officials to engage immediately direct talks on grounds atmosphere reasonably favorable and 50-50 odds Nehru may be forthcoming in discussions. He also urged MEA officials not to press for SC meeting and suggested reliance direct talks in lieu such effort. Foreign Secretary Dehlavi stated emphatically GOP intends press for SC consideration.

Tone Ayub’s remarks about Nehru and deep suspicions of Indian long term intentions revealed by Ayub and MEA officers not encouraging, but suggestion preparatory talks at official or ministerial level may offer some hope if specific and satisfactory response forthcoming from Indians.

Full airgram report follows.³

Hall

0. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 690D.91/3-462. Secret. Repeated to New Delhi and USUN.
1. Telegram 1520, March 4, reported that, in addition to problems relating to Pakistan’s relations with India and Afghanistan, Ayub and Bowles had also discussed a draft of a constitution for Pakistan and their differing perspectives on policy toward China. (Ibid., 123-Bowles, Chester)
2. An apparent reference to Document 83.
3. Airgram A-358 from Karachi, March 6. (Department of State, Central Files, 690D.91/3-662) Airgram A-357 from Karachi, March 6, reported on Bowles’ discussions with Ayub and other Pakistani officials concerning Pakistan’s relations with Afghanistan. Bowles reviewed his conversations in Kabul, and expressed his concern about increasing Soviet influence in Afghanistan. Ayub shared this concern and agreed that the restoration of normal relations between Afghanistan and Pakistan was important, but he felt that normal relations would be impossible until Afghanistan ceased agitation on the Pushtunistan issue. (Ibid., 611.89/3-662)