83. Letter From President Nixon to Pakistani President Yahya1 2
Dear Mr. President:
The patience you have shown in connection with the protracted review of our military supply policy has been very much appreciated. Our deliberations have taken even longer than anticipated and have involved a number of difficult considerations. One of the problems, as I have explained before, has been the current mood of our Congress toward military assistance and involvement abroad.
Despite these problems, I have tried to be as responsive as possible to Pakistan’s requests, in keeping with my assurance to you in Lahore that I would see what could be done to be helpful. I was pleased that Ambassador Farland was able to discuss these matters with you informally on June 20 and again last month before returning home on leave, and I had a good talk with him while he was here. Since then the necessary Congressional consultations have been completed and we are now able to move ahead.
In specific terms, I am pleased to confirm that we are prepared to sell Pakistan on this one occasion the following items which your military authorities have requested from us: six replacement fighter interceptor aircraft or, as an alternative, twelve interceptor aircraft of a different model if Pakistan transfers the remaining aircraft in the squadron concerned; seven replacement medium bomber aircraft; 300 armored personnel carriers; and four maritime patrol aircraft. Our diplomatic mission in Pakistan is prepared to discuss this offer in greater detail with you or your associates, and our respective military representatives can proceed with arrangements.
In addition to the aforementioned items, which are in the “lethal” category, I have asked our people to move as promptly and sympathetically as possible on pending requests by your military authorities to purchase various non-lethal items such as light aircraft, transport aircraft, jeeps and trucks. We are doing our best to be responsive on such items.
[Page 2]I recognize that the equipment to be provided does not cover some of your requests but I hope you will consider this offer as reflecting my sincere desire to be of assistance to Pakistan. As you know from our talk in Lahore, I have had a long personal association with your country and am anxious to ensure that our relations remain on a close and cordial basis.
In closing, let me express my admiration for the great skill you have shown in leading Pakistan through a difficult transition period. In your determination to see Pakistan safely and peacefully through this transition, you have demonstrated statesmanship, courage and sensitivity to the special conditions facing your country and the aspirations of your people. You have my warm good wishes in your great endeavor.
I am now looking forward with great pleasure to our meeting here in Washington and wish you a safe and comfortable journey.
Sincerely,
- Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 755, Presidential Correspondence File, Pakistan, 1969–1970. No classification marking. The text of the letter was transmitted to Rawalpindi on October 16 to be conveyed to Yahya prior to his trip to New York for the fall session of the UN General Assembly. (Telegram 170588 to Rawalpindi; ibid., RG 59, Central Files 1970–73, DEF 12–5 PAK)↩
- Nixon’s letter conveyed to Yahya the terms of the offer of an arms sale to Pakistan.↩