150. Editorial Note
On July 4, 1962, President Ayub of Pakistan and the Shah of Iran released a statement at the conclusion of the Shah’s visit to Pakistan, in which the Shah expressed concern over the state of relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan and offered his services to mediate in the dispute. Ayub expressed his appreciation and accepted the offer. (Telegram 22 from Karachi, July 4; Department of State, Central Files, 788.11/7-462)
On July 9, the Department of State instructed the Embassy in Tehran to inform the Shah that the United States was gratified at his initiative in the dispute. The U.S. position was to remain in the background and not be identified with the Shah’s efforts. But the Embassy was instructed to assure the Shah that the United States was prepared to act in a supporting or complementary role in any negotiations that might result from the Shah’s initiative. (Telegram 12 to Tehran, July 9; ibid., 788.11/7-762)