406. Letter From President Carter to Pakistani President Zia1
The overthrow of the Afghan Government and occupation of that country by Soviet military forces represents a profoundly disturbing threat to the stability of the region and, most directly, to the security of Pakistan.
In these circumstances, it is essential that there be no misunderstanding as to the commitment of the United States to the security and territorial integrity of Pakistan. The 1959 Agreement for Cooperation between the United States and Pakistan represents a firm commitment between our two governments which remains fully valid. Its provisions are directly relevant to a Soviet threat via Afghanistan. I want you to know that the United States intends to stand by its commitments under this Agreement.
I am particularly concerned with the crescendo of charges and threats emanating from certain quarters regarding the presence in your country of hundreds of thousands of unfortunate refugees fleeing oppression and violence in Afghanistan. In these circumstances, the United States reiterates that it considers the Durand Line to be the international frontier between Afghanistan and Pakistan and that our actions under the 1959 Agreement will reflect that fact.
Sincerely,
- Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, P800018–0826. No classification marking. According to telegram 9607 to Islamabad, January 12, Vance told Shahi that he would give him a letter on January 12, shortly before Shahi met with Carter later that day. (National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, D800021–1122)↩