535. Airgram From the Embassy in Afghanistan to the Department of State1
SUBJECT
- The Ambassador’s Audience with King Zahir Shah on June 1
I was received in audience by His Majesty Mohammad Zahir Shah at the palace this morning at my initiative to discuss with him several subjects of mutual interest on my return to Kabul after leave in the United States. As on the occasion of previous audiences (Emb A–107, October 30, 19652 and A–189, March 10, 19663), I brought along Second Secretary Eric Neff to serve as interpreter in French. The following is a record of the conversation except for one subject which is being reported separately.
I opened the conversation by saying how pleased I was to see the King again and how much I had enjoyed our association over the years. I added that, as the King perhaps knew, I would be leaving Afghanistan in about six weeks to take up my new assignment and, although the exact date of my departure had not yet been fixed, I thought it would be about July 15. The King replied that he, too, had very much enjoyed our relationship and that he would be sorry to see me go.
Briefly recounting my recent leave in the U.S., I commented that I had brought back with me many expressions of goodwill for the King and Her Majesty from all those they had met during their last visit to [Page 1062] the U.S. I added that these expressions of esteem and goodwill came not only from the highest echelons of government but also from all those down the line who had the pleasure of meeting them. In this connection I specifically mentioned former Governor Welch of Indiana who had written me that he considered the King’s visit to his state as one of the high points of his tenure as governor. I also mentioned how pleased I had been to have been able to attend the University of California’s presentation to Ambassador Majid of an Honorary Doctorate—adding how popular and well regarded the Ambassador was in Washington.
I then raised the question of Prime Minister Maiwandwal’s working visit to Washington (Emb A–248),4 adding that the exact date was now in the process of being worked out and wondering if he thought that about November 1 would be convenient. The King replied that he was very pleased about the visit, adding that the Prime Minister would be especially busy during the next few months, but thought that November would probably be the best time. I then commented that the visit not only reflected my government’s interest and concern for Afghanistan, but also was an expression of high regard for the Prime Minister himself. The King indicated that he appreciated this, and left me with the impression that he, too, approved of the job the Prime Minister was doing.
Referring to the forthcoming opening ceremonies for the new Kabul/Kandahar road, constructed with American assistance, I said that I hoped the King would be able to officiate. I added that the exact date would depend on the engineers and the climate, but I thought the project would be completed by July 18. I also mentioned we were exploring the possibility of having Vice President Humphrey attend the opening. The King replied that, of course, he would be delighted to attend the opening ceremony and that he would be most happy if the Vice President could also be present.
I discussed our concern about the slow progress of the Helmand Valley development project. I pointed out that the United States had made a major investment in the project and was prepared to do more, but he should know we were unhappy with the way the project was being administered. I mentioned in passing the shortage of local funds allocated for repairing and cleaning the canals, and said that while I did not want to burden him with details, I did want him to be aware that problems exist and of our concern in this regard. The King replied that he was grateful for our assistance and was very much aware that problems existed. In fact, he was aware of them in detail. He added [Page 1063] that he would keep in mind what I had told him. I then said that I had discussed the matter last week with the Prime Minister and had subsequently sent a memorandum to him5 describing some of the difficulties which had arisen.
I then told the King that, as he well knew, ever since my arrival in Afghanistan I had worked to improve the climate for private investment which I and my government believed could make a major contribution to the development of the country. I referred to the recent visit here of a group of American business leaders and representatives of the Department of Commerce, and specifically mentioned a promising project that had been proposed by Mr. Mariani, a member of the group and president of one of the largest fruit and nut processing companies in the U.S., to establish a canning industry in the Kandahar-Helmand area. I had discussed the project with the Prime Minister who had expressed great interest in it. I also left with the King a copy of the proposal which I had given the Prime Minister. The King responded that he and his government were very much interested in attracting private investment into Afghanistan and would certainly continue to support this effort.
I closed the conversation by thanking the King for the trees and bushes he had given for the new chancery grounds and said that I hoped that my new assignment as Director General of the Foreign Service might enable me to attend the dedication ceremonies of the new chancery. I told the King I would be paying a final farewell call on him sometime nearer my actual departure.
- Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1964–66, POL 2 AFG. Confidential. Drafted by Eric Neff and William F. Spengler of the Political Section, and approved by Steeves.↩
- Airgram 107 from Kabul, October 30, 1965, reported a meeting on October 13 between the Ambassador and the King. (Ibid., POL 2 AFG)↩
- Airgram 189 from Kabul, March 10, reported a meeting on March 1 between the Ambassador and the King. (Ibid.)↩
- Dated June 2. (Ibid.)↩
- Not found.↩