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

245. Telegram 2923 From the Embassy in Pakistan to the Department of State¹ ²

Islamabad, April 4, 1972, 0708Z

Subj:

• Bhutto’s Comments on Size of Pak Military and U.S. Military Supply

Ref:

• Islamabad 2707 and 2879; State 56055

1. During my meeting with Pres. Bhutto at his Karachi home on April 3, I referred to recent visit to Washington by MFA Sec Gen Aziz Ahmed. I noted that Ahmed had made rather hardline presentation on Soviet intentions in subcontinent and had expressed urgent need for substantial quantity of U.S. arms on soft terms. I said I had been struck by what seemed to me to be divergence between line taken by Ahmed and emphasis which Bhutto himself had been putting on primary need for breakthrough to peaceful and honorable settlement with India. Referring also to recent request by Amb. Raza for U.S. arms, I asked Bhutto if he could elucidate.

2. Bhutto said that his senior military leaders kept pressing to make good some obvious gaps in defense structure and for acquisition of some “sophisticated” weapons. He was not in position to ignore the military, as I knew, and he had thought it advisable to forward requests for defense equipment from U.S., which was held to be only logical source for some types of equipment. At same time, Bhutto said, he had told his military advisers that he did not think a positive response could be expected from USG until at least after November elections. He did not intend to press us until after elections. On other hand, Bhutto went on, there was real problem in keeping operational the old equipment which Pakistan had received from U.S., and he hoped that we would be able to loosen up soon in supply of spare parts. (Comment: Latter position is identical with that taken with me by GOP FonSec during our last meeting on April 1.)

3. As for Aziz Ahmed, Bhutto said that he had counselled him not to point his finger and admonish people he would be talking to during his current travel abroad. But Ahmed is over 65 and doubtless finds it difficult to change his general approach and method of operations. Bhutto seemed to be implying that we should not take too seriously all of what Ahmed had said to us in Washington.

4. Bhutto reaffirmed his principal aim in relations with India is to achieve honorable political settlement that will open way to an era of peace. He acknowledged clear awareness that GOP cannot meet cumulative claims for maintenance of military budget at about recent levels and also pay for costly domestic reforms and development needs to which he is committed. He wanted to see a reduction in Pak military budget, but it would depend on India, he added, whether such a cut would be possible.

Sober

1. Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Files 1970–73, POL INDIA–PAK. Secret; Exdis. Repeated to New Delhi.
2. 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.