Office of the Historian

170. Memorandum From Secretary of State Kissinger to President Nixon1 2

Washington, July 23, 1974

SUBJECT:

  • Reply to Letter from Prime Minister Bhutto

Prime Minister Bhutto sent you a message on the eve of your trip to Moscow (Tab B). In this message, Bhutto reiterated his long-held concerns about Soviet, Indian, and Afghan intentions toward Pakistan. He asked that during your Moscow visit you emphasize to Soviet leaders our support for Pakistan’s territorial integrity. He also expressed the hope that, in view of India’s recent nuclear test, we would soon lift our present limitations on sales of US arms to Pakistan and would provide further security assurances to Pakistan. These issues are currently under review within the US Government.

A suggested reply to Bhutto is at Tab A. It informs him that you made clear to Soviet leaders our continuing support for Pakistan’s independence and integrity. The reply also informs Bhutto about other aspects of your talks in Moscow, particularly your discussion on Middle East issues, in which he has a strong interest.

RECOMMENDATION: That you approve the message at Tab A. (Text approved by Mr. Gergen’s office.) The message would be transmitted telegraphically to our embassy in Islamabad for immediate delivery to Bhutto.

[Page 2]

Tab A

Draft Message From President Nixon to Pakistani Prime Minister Bhutto

Washington, undated

Dear Mr. Prime Minister:

I want to thank you for your message of June 24 which I received on the eve of my departure for the Soviet Union. In the spirit of the close cooperation which prevails both between our two nations and ourselves personally, I very much appreciate your sharing your concerns with me in this timely manner.

My talks with General Secretary Brezhnev and other Soviet leaders were directed toward expanding the areas of understanding and cooperation between the United States and the Soviet Union, and exchanging views on a wide range of international problems of mutual concern. While much of the focus of the talks was on strategic arms, we also had an opportunity to discuss other areas of both immediate and potential interest.

You know, Mr. Prime Minister, of the support of my Government for the independence and integrity of Pakistan and for further progress in the normalization of relations between the countries in South Asia which is so important to Pakistan’s security. Having very much in mind the concerns expressed in your letter, I want you to know that I made our position clear to the Soviet leadership and pointed out the problems that would be created by any attempt to undermine Pakistan.

Our talks also included discussions of the Middle East, in which I know you have a keen interest. I emphasized to the Soviet leaders that [Page 3] we remain committed to a process of negotiation toward an Arab-Israeli peace settlement, and that we agree to a reconvening of the Geneva Conference as soon as possible, once the necessary groundwork has been prepared. I pointed out, however, that we cannot achieve a settlement in one step or in one meeting of the Geneva Conference. It remains our firm view that it is essential to formulate the issues at any given time in such a way that they can be handled politically by the parties to the negotiations. This approach also requires that careful attention be given to the timing of the negotiations on each issue so that premature consideration of an issue will not paralyze the negotiation and so that political support can be built for each decision that must be made. I believe we left Moscow with the foundation for the continued pursuit of peace in the Middle East firmly intact. While we will continue to stay in touch with the Soviet Union in this endeavor, we will also continue our own intensive effort to advance the negotiations which have been launched.

In closing, I want to say that I have deeply appreciated the opportunity to have your personal assessment of recent events in South Asia.

With personal best wishes,

Sincerely,

Richard Nixon
  1. Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, Correspondence 1969–1970, Box 760 Pakistan. No classification marking. Nixon initialed his approval. Attached but not printed at Tab B is Bhutto’s June 24 letter.↩
  2. Secretary Kissinger suggested, and President Nixon approved, a response to a letter sent by Prime Minister Bhutto on the eve of Nixon’s trip to Moscow that stated his concerns about Soviet, Indian, and Afghan ambitions in South Asia and the threat to Pakistan. Bhutto also requested the end of limitations on U.S. arms sales to Pakistan in light of the Indian nuclear test. Nixon’s response emphasized the U.S. commitment to Pakistan’s independence and integrity but did not explicitly discuss arms policy then under review.↩