360. Telegram 2042 From the Embassy in Afghanistan to the Department of State1 2
Kabul, April 13, 1972, 0945Z
Subj:
- Afghanistan-Response to Prince Daud
REF:
- (A) State 56321 (B) Kabul 1806
- 1.
- Acting under my instructions, EmbOff gave Wahid Abdullah April 11 response indicated para 8, ref B, minus point three repeat three. Wahid took careful notes. Wahid immediately stated that there was no answer to question whether dialogue could continue. Wahid was pleased to learn that dialogue could continue through him and EmbOff.
- 2.
- Again on my instructions, EmbOff then made point suggested para 3, ref A, concerning continuing US relations with Afghanistan over years as his “personal and informed opinion.”
- 3.
- During conversation EmbOff asked how change in government might occur especially in view wahid’s earlier statement that Prince Daud could never take any action which would further divide Afghanistan. Wahid responded: (a) Daud still adheres to this principle; (b) some members royal family “would favor Daud’s return;” and (c) Marshal Shah Mali Khan and wife have for some time been actively working to effect reconciliation between His Majesty and Princes Daud and Naim.
- 4.
- For first time in several years I recently saw Princes Daud and Naim at public affair (wedding receiption for Dr. Aziz Seraj’s daughter) and made point of speaking briefly to both. Wahid told EmbOff in response question, that Princes attended because groom was son of Daud’s former Minister of Interior [Page 2] and is now protege of Daud.
- 5.
- Rumors now cropping up in various Kabul circles about possibility that Daud may reenter political arena.
Neumann