Foreign Relations of the United States, 1977–1980, Volume XIX, South Asia

373. Telegram From the Embassy in Pakistan to the Consulates in Karachi and Lahore¹

Islamabad, November 19, 1979, 1142Z

13079. Subject: (C) Unrest Among Iranian Students May Be Directed at US Installations. Ref: (A) Karachi 6489;² (B) Islamabad 12993;³ (C) Islamabad 12983.⁴

1. (C) Entire text

2. Embassy FSN Political Advisor who visited campus of Quaid-i-Azam University November 19, on unrelated mission was warned by Professor [less than 1 line not declassified] that small number Iranian students on campus becoming outspokenly anti-American [less than 1 line not declassified] handed Advisor broadside published by Iranian students organization giving GOP de facto ultimatum to release their colleagues who were arrested for demonstrating at ConGen Karachi November 16 (reftel A). If no release effected by November 20, flyer says, students “shall not be responsible for any other reactions shown elsewhere.”

3. The students’ appeal to the GOP is based on Muslim Brotherhood of two countries and on shrill cries against “American imperialism”.

4. While [less than 1 line not declassified] did not want to overstate the unrest among the Iranian students (and although demand is addressed mainly to GOP), he did want to warn American diplomats in Pakistan that anger is building and could result in some manifestations on or after November 20 if GOP does not release students arrested November 16.

Hummel

1. Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, D790532–0780. Confidential; Niact Immediate. Sent for information to Kabul, London, New Delhi, and CINCPAC. Sent for information Priority to the Department of State.
2. In telegram 6489 from Karachi, November 16, the Consulate reported: “Approximately 40 Iranian students who intended demonstrate in front of ConGen Karachi November 16 stopped by police two blocks away from ConGen and taken into detention.” (National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, D790527–0714, D790544–0726)
3. In telegram 12993 from Islamabad, November 17, the Embassy described anti-American protests and violence in Karachi. A Pakistani Ministry of Foreign Affairs official informed an Embassy official on November 17 of an incident that began when Iranian protesters, prevented from reaching the U.S. Consulate in Karachi, attempted to carry out demonstrations outside the Consul General’s residence. Police in Karachi intervened and violence ensued. (National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, D790529–0238)
4. In telegram 12983 from Islamabad, November 16, the Embassy reported rumors and stories of impending demonstrations outside the Embassy. (National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, D790527–0664)