Foreign Relations of the United States, 1964–1968, Volume XXV, South Asia

542. Telegram From the Embassy in Afghanistan to the Department of State¹

Kabul, April 28, 1967, 0815Z.

4366. Kajakai and Wheat Announcements.

1. In my 4209² and previous messages I urged immediate US announcement next PL–480 wheat tranche.

2. In ensuing days furor caused by allegations of Afghan student against CIA (Hotaki case)³ has increased markedly in intensity as result spate of strident comment in local press (Kabul 4365).⁴ PriMin’s belated confrontation with Parliament likely occur Tuesday May 2, at which time PriMin will be hard put to defend his recent trip to US and indeed value US-Afghan ties in light suspicion cast on US motives toward Afghanistan because of Hotaki case (Kabul 4322).⁵

3. We are whistling in the dark if we do not face up to fact that Hotaki case has not only seriously jeopardized Maiwandwal govt but also has caused substantial deterioration in US position here. In one week much of profit of Maiwandwal visit has been erased.

3. [sic] We have one action within our power which holds some promise of helping retrieve situation. We can and should announce new PL–480 wheat sale and intention to proceed with Kajakai before PriMin’s appearance at Parliament expected May 2.⁶ PriMin, through Farhadi, informed DCM today that timely announcements would be immensely helpful.

4. I strongly urge immediate announcement of these two evidences US cooperation with Afghanistan not because we wish defend Maiwandwal (he may already be past saving) but because it is essential we offer proof of disinterested US help at moment when US under heavy attack and suspicion for carrying out covert operations of “imperialistic and neo-colonialist” nature.

Neumann

1. Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1967–69, AID (US) 15–8 AFG. Secret; Priority; Limdis.
2. Dated April 18. (Ibid., AID (US) 15 AFG)
3. Reference is to an Afghan living in the United States who made charges of CIA activities in Afghanistan that received publicity in the United States, including an article in the April issue of Ramparts magazine. (“Three Tales of the CIA,” Ramparts, Vol. 5, No. 10, April 1967, pp. 23–24) Hotaki’s charges were summarized in a March 11 memorandum from Read to Rostow. (Johnson Library, National Security File, Country File, Afghanistan, Vol. I, Memos and Miscellaneous, 12/63–4/68) On April 24 the Embassy reported that the Hotaki case had “erupted with a vengeance here creating critical political problem for PriMin Maiwandwal.” (Telegram 4293 from Kabul; National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1967–69, ORG CIA)
4. Telegram 4365 from Kabul, April 28, reported that the “eruption” of the Hotaki case “continues with increasing intensity amid mounting public criticism, now spurred by heavy press play, reflecting adversely on Maiwandwal government and USG.” (Ibid.)
5. Telegram 4322 from Kabul, April 25, reported on the postponement of the Prime Minister’s confrontation with Parliament. (Ibid.)
6. In telegram 4548 from Kabul, May 9, the Embassy reported that the furor over the Hotaki affair appeared to be subsiding following a persuasive speech in Parliament by Maiwandwal, in which he declared the accusations were unsubstantiated rumors. (Ibid., POL 15–1 AFG)