Foreign Relations of the United States, 1969–1976, Volume E–7, Documents on South Asia, 1969–1972

148. Telegram 186578 From the Department of State to the Embassy in Pakistan¹ ²

Washington, October 12, 1971, 1837Z

REF:

• Islamabad 9833

Subject:

• US Leverage in Current Pakistan Crisis: US Policy

NOTE: Secretary signed following cable on September 29 before departing for New York. Regret delay in despatch.

1. We much appreciate the evaluation you have given us in reftel of extent to which our strategy in Pakistan has produced results in specific actions by GOP to date directed at political settlement. No one can appreciate better than you and your colleagues on the spot in Pakistan the complexity of our current Pakistan relationship and the difficulty of moving GOP toward effective actions in the political domain. We concur in your view that the record to date suggests that our strategy has moved situation a good way from the grim days in March, granted also that only a beginning has been made in the key task of getting GOP actions that will contribute to reducing violence and getting started on political settlement. In this connection we have noted with much interest that Yahya did not react adversely in your most recent conversation with him on Mujib to your references to potential that Mujib offers as “trump card” for political settlement. We have also noted recent Pak press speculation on possible leniency in Mujib case. As we see it, the way Yahya handles Mujib is clearly key both to current psychological atmosphere and to substantive progress toward political settlement and we hope you can continue find ways get this across.

2. Your review of specific USG efforts and GOP actions particularly timely because of upcoming Congressional hearings in which we have important task of making sure record is fully clear and understood on these points. This includes Kennedy Subcommittee sessions scheduled October 4.

3. We would add two items to list you have compiled and that is your own imaginative and resourceful initiatives in number of areas, including handling of Mujib and treatment of Hindus and successful way in which you have preserved an atmosphere of personal confidence and frankness with President Yahya and his top associates. We appreciate how difficult this is in context of constant suggestions and advice we are directing at GOP in an area which they naturally regard as a matter of primarily internal GOP concern and we want you to know how much we appreciate this. You have earned the brief leave and medical checkup you are about to take. Enjoy your leave.

END

Rogers

1. Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Files 1970–73, POL 1 PAK–US. Secret; Priority; Exdis. Drafted on September 29 by Laingen; cleared by Van Hollen, Sisco, and Irwin; and approved by Rogers. Repeated to Dacca, Lahore, and Karachi.
2. Secretary of State Rogers commended Ambassador Farland on his assessment of the developing crisis in Pakistan. Rogers suggested that Farland continue to stress to Pakistani President Yahya the importance of dealing leniently with Mujib.