U.S. Relations with India and Pakistan, 1972
228. Memorandum From the Director of the Bureau of Intelligence and Research (Cline) to Director of Central Intelligence Helms
Cline sent to Helms INR’s assessment of the possibility that India was developing a nuclear weapon.
Source: Central Intelligence Agency, DCI Files, Job 80–B01086A, Box 1, Folder 59, India. Secret; No Foreign Dissem. The attached secret report was drafted on February 10 by William D. Howells (INR/DRR/RNA) and Lawrence E. Finch, Chief of the Strategic Affairs Division (INR/DRR/RSG).
229. Telegram 1833 From the Embassy in Pakistan to the Department of State
Chargé Sober reported that Pakistani President Bhutto was prepared to meet with Indian Prime Minister Gandhi in New Delhi to discuss a comprehensive peace settlement.
Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Files 1970–73, POL 15–1 PAK. Secret; Exdis. Repeated to New Delhi, Dacca, Karachi, and Lahore.
230. Telegram 1834 From the Embassy in Pakistan to the Department of State
In a conversation with Chargé Sober, Pakistani President Bhutto indicated that he was interested in pursuing a closer security relationship between Pakistan and the United States.
Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Files 1970–73, POL 15–1 PAK. Confidential; Exdis. Repeated to New Delhi, Karachi, Lahore, and CINCPAC for POLAD.
232. Telegram 2922 From the Embassy in India to the Department of State
The Embassy reported that criticism of the United States was a constant theme during a 3-week campaign tour of India by Prime Minister Gandhi. Her anti-U.S. tone was only partially mitigated by occasional acknowledgement of a desire to improve Indo-U.S. relations.
Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Files 1970–73, POL 15–1 INDIA. Confidential. Repeated to Islamabad, London, Moscow, Dacca, Madras, Bombay, Calcutta, and CINCPAC.
233. Memorandum of Conversation
The President’s Assistant for National Security Affairs Kissinger and Indian Ambassador Jha discussed prospects for improving relations between the U.S. and India in the wake of President Nixon’s trip to China.
Source: Library of Congress, Manuscript Division, Kissinger Papers, Box TS 28, Geopolitical File, India Chronological File, 4 Nov 1971–19 Sept 1973. Top Secret; Sensitive; Eyes Only. The meeting was held in Kissinger’s office in the White House.
234. Memorandum From Harold Saunders and Samuel Hoskinson of the National Security Council Staff to the President’s Assistant for National Security Affairs (Kissinger)
Saunders and Hoskinson outlined for Kissinger “where we stand on the economic aid front for Pakistan and where we seem to be heading.”
Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 627, Country Files, Middle East, Pakistan, Vol. IX, Jan–31 Aug 72. Confidential. Sent for information. Kissinger initialed the memorandum.
235. Telegram 2213 From the Embassy in Pakistan to the Department of State
Pakistan offered to make military facilities available in Pakistan for U.S. use as part of a program of closer military collaboration between the two countries.
Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Files 1970–73, DEF PAK–US. Top Secret; Exdis.
236. Memorandum From Secretary of State Rogers to President Nixon
Rogers conveyed to Nixon an assessment of the Pakistani proposals for closer military collaboration and policy recommendations based on the assessment.
Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 627, Country Files, Middle East, Pakistan, Vol. IX, Jan–31 Aug 72. Secret; Exdis.
237. Information Memorandum From the Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern and South Asian Affairs (Sisco) to Secretary of State Rogers
Sisco reported on a meeting of the Senior Review Group on March 17. The SRG discussed the major pending policy issues related to South Asia, including the recognition of Bangladesh.
Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Files 1970–73, POL 1 ASIA SE–US. Secret; Nodis. Drafted by Van Hollen on March 17 and sent through Irwin. This is the only record of this meeting of the Senior Review Group that has been found.
238. Letter From President Nixon to Pakistani President Bhutto
Nixon discussed his trip to China. He also offered Bhutto the assurance that “We will continue to demonstrate our concern for the well-being and the security of the people of Pakistan and help you through this extremely difficult post-war period.”
Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 760, Presidential Correspondence File, Pakistan, President Bhutto. No classification marking. A copy of Bhutto’s March 1 letter to Nixon, in which he discussed his impending trips to New Delhi and Moscow, is ibid., RG 59, Central Files 1970–73, POL 15–1 PAK. Nixon’s letter to Bhutto was transmitted to Islamabad on March 23 in telegram 49845. (Ibid., POL 15–1 US/Nixon)
239. Telegram 49598 From the Department of State to the Embassy in Pakistan
The Department transmitted to the Embassy a summary of an extensive request for military assistance and sales conveyed to Assistant Secretary Sisco on March 20 by Pakistani Ambassador Raza. The request included 100 tanks, 4 submarines, and 3 squadrons of planes.
Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Files 1970–73, DEF 12–5 PAK. Secret; Exdis. Drafted by Peter Constable (NEA/PAF) on March 21; cleared by Laingen, Schneider, Van Hollen, and Alan Ford, Deputy Director of the Office of Military Assistance and Sales (PM/MAS); and approved by Sisco. Sent for information to DOD/ISA/NESA for Colonel Gross. Raza’s letter to Sisco can be found ibid., Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 627, Country File, Middle East, Pakistan, Vol. IX, Jan–31 Aug 72.
240. Memorandum From Secretary of State Rogers to President Nixon
Rogers informed Nixon about his conversation on March 22 with Aziz Ahmed, Secretary General of the Pakistani Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Ahmed pressed for a decision on Pakistan’s request for military sales and assistance and for an assessment of the future role of the U.S. in South Asia. Rogers assured Ahmed of continuing U.S. support for Pakistan and added that the issue of military supply was under review.
Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 627, Country File, Middle East, Pakistan, Vol. IX Jan–31 Aug 72. Secret; Exdis. Irwin signed for Rogers.
241. Telegram 3666 From the Embassy in India to the Department of State
Ambassador Keating expressed his opposition to any increase in U.S. military collaboration with Pakistan.
Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Files 1970–73, DEF 15 PAK–US. Top Secret; Exdis.
242. Transcript of Telephone Conversation Between Secretary of State Rogers and the President’s Assistant for National Security Affairs (Kissinger)
Rogers told Kissinger that when he met with Secretary General Ahmed, Ahmed would press for a decision to renew the supply of military equipment to Pakistan. Kissinger responded: “That’s not on.”
Source: Library of Congress, Manuscript Division, Kissinger Papers, Box 371, Telephone Conversations, Chronological File. No classification marking.
243. Memorandum of Conversation
Secretary General Ahmed discussed Pakistan’s security concerns with President Nixon and the President’s Assistant for National Security Affairs Kissinger. He urged the U.S. to maintain a strong presence in South Asia. Nixon responded that his administration would provide all the help that it could to Pakistan, but most of it would be economic assistance. He said it would be difficult to consider military assistance until after the election in November. He added that he intended to recognize Bangladesh within the week. Nixon and Kissinger assured Ahmed of U.S. support for Pakistan in the event of an attack by India.
Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, White House Special Files, President’s Office Files, Box 88, Memoranda for the President, Beginning March 26, 1972. Secret; Nodis. The meeting was held in Kissinger’s office in the White House. A handwritten notation on the memorandum indicates that Saunders prepared it for the President’s file.
244. Memorandum of Conversation
The President’s Assistant for National Security Affairs Kissinger emphasized to Indian Ambassador Jha the need for India to exercise restraint in dealing with Pakistan. If it did not, and if it used threats of military action, Kissinger said U.S. “restraint would be more difficult to maintain.” He added that the U.S. would oppose any attempt to force territorial changes in Kashmir.
Source: Library of Congress, Manuscript Division, Kissinger Papers, Box TS 28, Geopolitical File, India Chronological File, 4 Nov 1971–19 Sept 1973. Top Secret; Sensitive; Exclusively Eyes Only. Apparently drafted by Kissinger. The luncheon meeting took place in Kissinger’s office. The attached clipping is page 17 from the March 27 edition of Newsweek magazine. The Anderson papers were copies of columns written by Jack Anderson for The Washington Post based upon records of WSAG meetings during the December crisis.
245. Telegram 2923 From the Embassy in Pakistan to the Department of State
Chargé Sober questioned Pakistani President Bhutto about the request for arms put forward in Washington by Secretary General Ahmed. Bhutto said he did not expect a reply on the bulk of the request until after the U.S. presidential election, but added that the need for spare parts to keep old equipment operational was pressing.
Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Files 1970–73, POL INDIA–PAK. Secret; Exdis. Repeated to New Delhi.
246. Letter From the Pakistani Ambassador (Raza) to the Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern and South Asian Affairs (Sisco)
Raza detailed the efforts his Government was making to initiate negotiations with India and alleged that India had established preconditions for negotiations designed to delay an agreement to settle the crisis. Pakistan called on the U.S. to impress on India the need for an early settlement of the problems of the subcontinent.
Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Files 1970–73, POL 27–14 INDIA–PAK. No classification marking.
247. Memorandum From Harold Saunders of the National Security Council Staff to the President’s Deputy Assistant for National Security Affairs (Haig)
With the President’s Assistant for National Security Affairs Kissinger’s approval, Haig authorized a presentation to Congress on economic assistance for South Asia for the fiscal year that called for $90 million for India, $75 million for Pakistan, and $135 million in an unallocated reserve.
Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 642, Country Files, Middle East, South Asia, Vol. IV. Confidential. Sent for action. Kissinger’s handwritten comment on the first page of the attached memorandum reads: “There is no chance of giving $200 million to India.” There is a note in the margin of that document in a hand that is apparently Saunders’ that reads: “75–75.” Haig wrote “OK” on the Use 90/75 option, and added: “Hal I’ve checked W/ HAK.” Saunders noted on the memorandum that he notified AID and OMB on April 13 of the revised decision.
248. Telegram 65190 From the Department of State to the Embassy in Pakistan
Ambassador Farland was instructed upon his return to Islamabad to conduct with Pakistani President Bhutto a full review of U.S.-Pakistani relations and of prospects for peace on the subcontinent.
Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 627, Country Files, Middle East, Pakistan, Vol. IX, Jan–31 Aug 72. Secret; Exdis. Drafted by Constable; cleared by Laingen, Schneider, Van Hollen, and Sisco; also cleared by U. Alexis Johnson, Williams, and at the White House by Haig; and approved by Van Hollen. Repeated to Dacca, New Delhi, and USUN.
249. Minutes of Senior Review Group Meeting
The Senior Review Group discussed U.S. policy objectives in South Asia and the issues bearing on the possibility of improving relations with India. Members agreed that, to the extent possible, U.S. humanitarian and economic assistance to Bangladesh should be provided on a bilateral rather than a multilateral basis.
Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, NSC Institutional Files (H-Files), Box H–064, SRG Meeting, South Asia, 4/17/72. Top Secret; Sensitive. The meeting was held in the White House Situation Room. No drafting information appears on the minutes. The brief from which Helms spoke in assessing the situation in South Asia can be found ibid. The draft telegram cited in the minutes, containing instructions for opening a dialogue with India on a number of contentious issues, was not sent to New Delhi. After discussion by the Senior Review Group, the telegram was revised in the Department of State and returned to Kissinger for approval on April 19. (Memorandum from Eliot to Kissinger; National Archives, RG 59, Central Files 1970–73, POL 27 INDIA–PAK) The revised telegram was not sent because of continuing criticism by the Gandhi Government of the U.S. role in Vietnam. See Document 252.
250. Memorandum From Harold Saunders of the National Security Council Staff to the President’s Assistant for National Security Affairs (Kissinger)
Kissinger approved a telegram to Ambassador Keating instructing him to explain to the Indian Government the presentation being made to Congress on the proposed “provisional” assistance program for India.
Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 598, Country Files, Middle East, India, Vol. V, 31 Dec 71–July 1972. Limited Official Use. Sent for action. Sent to Kissinger through Haig. Kissinger initialed the approval line. Saunders added a handwritten note in the margin that reads: “with addition conveyed orally by Kennedy.” The addition is not marked on the attached draft telegram. A comparison of the draft text with the telegram as sent on April 19 reveals that Kissinger added the penultimate sentence before approving the telegram. That sentence contained an important qualification: “Decisions on allocation will depend on the results of that review and on the circumstances at the time, and you should make clear that no inference should be drawn one way or the other regarding what amounts, if any, might be made available.” See Document 253.
251. Letter From Pakistani President Bhutto to President Nixon
Bhutto wrote to request that the U.S. intervene on behalf of the Pakistani prisoners of war being held he alleged as bargaining chips by India and under threat of prosecution by Bangladesh for war crimes.
Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 760, Presidential Correspondence File, Pakistan, President Bhutto. Secret. The letter was delivered to the Department of State on April 25, under cover of a transmittal letter from Charge M. Akram Zaki. The letter was forwarded to the White House on the same day. (Memorandum from Eliot to Kissinger, April 25; ibid., RG 59, Central Files 1970–73, POL PAK-US) The text of the letter was transmitted to Islamabad on April 26 in telegram 72027. (Ibid., POL 15–1 US/Nixon)
252. Telegram 67415 From the Department of State to the Embassy in India
Ambassador Keating was instructed to lodge a strong objection to the statement made by the Indian Foreign Minister in Parliament on April 17 concerning Vietnam. The U.S. considered the statement to be “a further unfriendly act on part of GOI,” and Keating was instructed to minimize his contacts with Indian officials for 2 weeks.
Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Files 1970–73, POL INDIA-US. Secret; Priority; Nodis. Drafted on April 18 by Schneider; cleared in NEA by Davies, in EA by Deputy Assistant Secretary William H. Sullivan, and in the White House by Sonnenfeldt; and approved by Irwin.
253. Telegram 67420 From the Department of State to the Embassy in India
The Embassy was instructed to use the details of the proposed economic assistance program for South Asia provided in telegram 67420 to brief the Indian Government on the provisional nature of the $90 million allocation for India.
Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Files 1970–73, AID (US) INDIA. Confidential; Immediate. Repeated to Islamabad and Dacca. Drafted on April 18 by Schneider; cleared by Laingen and Van Hollen, MacDonald (AID), and Saunders (White House); and approved by Irwin.
254. Telegram 4957 From the Embassy in India to the Department of State
Ambassador Keating questioned whether the instruction to register a stiff protest with Indian Foreign Minister Swaran Singh over his statement about Vietnam might have the effect of attaching more importance to the incident than the U.S. intended.
Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Files 1970–73, POL INDIA-US. Secret; Niact; Immediate; Nodis.
255. Telegram 69080 From the Department of State to the Embassy in India
The Department agreed that Ambassador Keating should tone down his objection to Indian Foreign Minister Singh’s statement somewhat when he met with the Foreign Minister.
Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Files 1970–73, POL INDIA-US. Secret; Immediate; Nodis. Drafted on April 20 by Schneider; cleared by Van Hollen, Davies, and Haig (White House); and approved by Rogers.
256. Telegram 5044 From the Embassy in India to the Department of State
Ambassador Keating registered with Indian Foreign Minister Singh an objection to his “unbalanced” statement about the U.S. bombing campaign in North Vietnam. Singh denied that his statement was biased and argued that it was an “objective judgment” on the situation as he saw it. He felt the issue should not prejudice progress toward improved relations.
Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Files 1970–73, POL INDIA-US. Secret; Priority; Nodis.
257. Memorandum From Harold Saunders and Samuel Hoskinson of the National Security Council Staff to the President’s Assistant for National Security Affairs (Kissinger)
Saunders and Hoskinson summarized for Kissinger a CIA assessment of India’s foreign policy in the wake of the war with Pakistan. They also drew policy implications from the assessment.
Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 598, Country Files, Middle East, India, Vol. V, 31 Dec 71-July 1972. Secret. Sent for information. A notation on the memorandum indicates Kissinger saw it. The 25-page Office of National Estimates memorandum summarized by Saunders and Hoskinson, entitled “India’s Postwar Foreign Policy,” April 5, is ibid.