Foreign Relations of the United States, 1969–1976, Volume E–7, Documents on South Asia, 1969–1972
Document 325
325. Telegram 2080 From the
Embassy in Iran
to the
Department of State
1
2
Tehran
,
May 26, 1969, 1620Z
Subject:
Secretary’s Visit to Kabul
1. Summary: Atmosphere of talks with King Zaher and Prime Minister
Etemadi
May 25 was warm and friendly with emphasis on human values shared by us and Afghans and lack of problems between two countries. Afghans stressed importance to balance of power in area of continued
US
interest and presence. They received suggestion for improved relations from Pakistani President
Yahya
conveyed by Secretary in friendly manner without giving any indication their intentions re follow-up.
End summary.
2. King Zaher emphasized old and close ideological ties
US
and Afghanistan with common interest freedom and democracy. Said he delighted President
Nixon
knew Afghanistan, sent best wishes his success and that of American people in coping with world problems. This all important to Afghanistan. King grateful for
US
econ aid but even more so for good intentions behind it. Remarked Afghan economic development had recently

fallen behind a bit because of political problems but he not pessimistic on future. Welcomed President
Nixon
statement on Viet-Nam. Suggested possibilities of
US
-
USSR
cooperation seemed to be increasing. Said Afghan rels with
USSR
good; with Iran, excellent; with Communist China correct; with Pakistan some problems.
3. Secretary presented President
Nixon
’s letter, said warm feelings of President and late President Eisenhower for Afghanistan had already give him sentimental attachment for country. He glad
US
AID
was useful and that Afghans appreciated it. Viet-Nam was very important problem;
US
flexible; some hope for progress; peace possible if other side willing.
US
is seeking to improve relations with
USSR
; cited Asst Secty
Sisco
’s talk on Near East, our hopes for arms limitations; said
USSR
could be helpful on Viet-Nam also; noted ChiComs had recently given
USSR
priority over
US
as number one enemy. (King said he had noticed this too.)
4. Re Afghan-
Pak
relations, Secretary conveyed President
Yahya
’s expression of interest improving relations, adding he did not wish be arbitrator. King said he also eager settle outstanding problem, and if Pakistan willing, hopes be able do so. Last thing Afghanistan wants is another quote hot spot unquote in Asia.
5. Prime Minister
Etemadi
, in brief exchange views before his lunch, again emphasized Afghan gratitude
US
AID
and appreciation common human values. Twice repeated Afghan Government’s belief that continued
US
presence Afghanistan essential to maintenance difficult. It had to coexist with powerful neighbors; hence
Kosygin
’s visit next day. Lamented quote Pakistan’s introduction of Communist China unquote into area. Afghan relations with Communist China were quote not quite warm unquote. Afghanistan did not wish hurt Pakistan, willing to do ten things for every one Pakistan did to improve relations. However,
Pak
s did not reciprocate, abused Afghanistan in President
Ayub
’s book, refused cooeprate in Afghan plans for regional transit arrangement among
USSR
, Iran, Afghanistan, and India, and denied existence of quote Pushtunistan unquote problem.

6. Secretary remarked President
Yahya
’s statements previous night about Afghanistan had been almost same in reverse. Mentioned message which he had conveyed to King, and said he thought new government in Pakistan might be ready talk. Added
US
understood importance which Afghanistan and other Asian nations placed on our continued interest in area, but American people were also concerned over animosities among neighbors in Asia and hoped parties concerned would do something about them. Secretary ended by reiterating purpose his visit was to demonstrate
US
friendship for Afghan Government and people and to hear of their economic progress. (
FYI
: paper on economic problems and progress which Prime Minister passed to party will be forwarded Kabul Embassy after reproduction in Washington. End
FYI
)
7. For Rawalpindi: You may inform President
Yahya
that Secretary conveyed his message to King Zaher who received it in friendly manner. (
FYI
: As Secretary told PM
Etemadi
, it appears further progress on
Pak
-Afghan problems may turn on quote who makes the first telephone call unquote. We believe decision on this is up to Kabul and Rawalpindi. End
FYI
)
Rogers