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

93. Telegram 8690 From the Embassy in Pakistan to the Department of State¹ ²

Islamabad, November 8, 1970, 0535Z

Subj:

• Arms Supply to Pakistan

Ref:

• Rawalpindi 8682

1. The primary purpose of my call on President Yahya Nov 6 was to deliver to him the original of President Nixon’s letter to President Yahya dated October 15, 1970 setting forth in specific terms the arms package for Pakistan. This led to an extended discussion on the subject, expanded to include the adverse reprecussions which the US is experiencing in india. President Yahya said that he viewed these developments with real regret because he realized that the U.S., with justification, was attempting to maintain good relations with the GOI and that he regretted the agitation which had developed in India over what was meaningful, but in reality, a token gesture to Pakistan.

2. During the conversation on the specifics involved in the package, I alluded to the fact that Pakistan’s F–104s were of special manufacture and that the only similar ones presently flying were those which had been provided to King Hussein. I added that to modify other F–104 models to make them compatible with the F–104s which Pakistan had, the financial cost was going to be, I felt, not only exorbitant but out of proportion to the worth of the plane itself. Quite surprisingly, President Yahya suggested that, as a means of helping King Hussein and GOP, a constructive step might be taken by delivery of Pakistan’s F–104s to King Hussein and by their replacement with a full squadron of F–5s. I said that this was an idea that appeared to be worth exploring and that I would ascertain what my government’s reaction would be to it. It is to be recalled that I posed this possibility to Secretary Rogers during my discussion with him on September 25, and strongly recommended that this as an option should be explored, both for economic and political reasons. FYI: It is understood that Jordan desires six F–104-As and one F–104-B which would cost with appropriate modifications approximately 1.6 million dollars.

3. President Yahya explained his interest in the F–5s as compared to the F–104s was based upon both his belief that the F–104s were becoming outmoded, and that Pakistan’s defense required short-range highly maneuverable interceptors as opposed to more sophisticated long-range fighters. At this juncture I mentioned that Air Marshal Rahim had indicated to Gen. Collins a certain degree of disinterest in the B–57s and I asked him for his comment. With reference to the B–57s he said that his thinking on this type of aircraft was in keeping with the obsolescence concept of the F–104s and that GOP needed interceptors rather than medium-range bombers of this class. He added that his remarks should not be considered a turn-down of the B–57s.

4. President Yahya stated that he personally was extremely pleased with President Nixon’s offer which he recognized as a gesture of sincere friendship, knowing full well that the US also recognized the fact that Pakistan’s military requirement was much greater than the proposed package. President Yahya said that he had no intention of embarassing President Nixon by asking for any other categories of weapons or attempting to use President Nixon’s decision as an opening wedge to present a shopping list or to complicate United States’ posture in its foreign policy.

5. Yahya noted that his armed forces were greatly in need of 300 armored personnel carriers which were part of the package and that he had directed his Defense Secretary Ghias Uddin Ahmed to begin negotiations at once, adding that he was presently carrying on conversations with Air Marshal Rahim and other high-ranking oficials in the air force regarding the US offer of various aircraft.

6. President Yahya said that he was meeting with Air Marshal Rahim tommorow, Nov. 7, and asked that I meet with them also for a general discussion. I agreed to do so.

Farland

1. Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Files 1970–73, DEF 12–5 PAK. Secret; Exdis. Sent with a request to pass to the White House and Secretary of Defense.
2. In a conversation with Ambassador Farland, Pakistani President Yahya refined the list of weapons he asked to have included among those the U.S. was prepared to supply as part of the package President Nixon had authorized.