Foreign Relations of the United States, 1969–1976, Volume E–7, Documents on South Asia, 1969–1972
Document 60
60. Memorandum of Conversation
1
2
Washington
,
May 21, 1970, 2:30–3 p.m.
SUBJECT:
Discussion with Ambassador
Joseph S. Farland
Participants:
Department of Defense
Secretary of Defense—
Melvin R. Laird
Assistant Secretary of Defense (ISA)—
G. Warren Nutter
ISA Assistant for South Asia—Colonel Seymour Kravitz
Department of State
U.S. Ambassador to Pakistan—Mr.
Joseph S. Farland
Country Director for Pakistan—
William Spengler

1.
US
/Pakistani Relations
Ambassador
Farland
gave a brief resume of
US
/
Pak
relations. He summed up by stating that the lack of decision on the U.S. military supply policy has caused the Paks to turn increasingly to the Chinese and Russians. He stated that the Paks considered that President Johnson had made a commitment to get them tanks and that President
Nixon
had indicated sympathy toward that commitment. The Ambassador estimated that
US
/
PAK
relations had taken a marked turn for the worse since the end of February.
2.
Military Supply Policy
Ambassador
Farland
recounted a recent meeting during which the Chief of the
Pak
Army Staff said that they had to be prepared to defend Pakistan and would secure the necessary equipment where they could, despite higher cost. The Chief of Staff said his main worry was not the added costs of purchasing from “other” sources, but the commitment that goes with the purchase. Following a discussion of how much equipment the Chinese have already provided to Pakistan, Mr.
Laird
questioned whether Pakistan was not already committed to China. Mr.
Farland
opined there is still some leeway but that time is growing short and the
Pak
feeling of disenchantment with the U.S. is growing. As an example, he cited his attempts since

March to get an appointment to present to President
Yahya Khan
from President
Nixon
, the moon rock and
Pak
flag which had been carried to the moon by U.S. astronauts. He has been denied an audience and at the same time has been politely informed of the need for the U.S. to sell lethal end items to Pakistan. The Ambassador also told how much better reception in the
Pak
press the Chinese enjoy as contrasted to the U.S. Their small moves are given greater and more favorable play than much larger U.S. activities in Pakistan. Mr.
Laird
stated that the Ambassador’s report was so pessimistic that perhaps it was too late to do anything. The Ambassador assured him we still have time but that our options are being reduced rapidly.
3.
Pak
Commitments to the
USSR
and Communist China
Mr.
Laird
asked Mr.
Farland
what the Chinese Communists and Soviet Union hoped to get for their favors to Pakistan. The Ambassador said that possibly China is seeking increased Communist control of the states between China and the Bay of Bengal. If Burma, Assam and East Pakistan were under Communist control, China would effectively outflank Southeast Asia and if communists gained control of Pakistan, China could outflank India as well. He added that the Russians are probably seeking more influence in the Indian Ocean and Persian Gulf and looked for help from Pakistan in this regard.
4.
Tanks for Pakistan
Ambassador
Farland
stressed the need to provide some tanks for Pakistan. A discussion ensued as to whether the third country route remains feasible. There was general agreement that it will not be as easy to do now as it would have been some months ago. The question of proposed Congressional amendments to the Foreign Military Sales bill was considered and Congressional attitudes discussed. The Ambassador said that he has talked to many people on the Hill and has a feeling that a change is in the wind. The Secretary expressed a hope that the Ambassador is right and he and Mr.
Nutter
assured Mr.
Farland
that
DOD
is working along the same lines as he is.
5.
Conclusion
After an exchange of courtesies, the meeting ended.
Contents
Press Release
Preface
Sources
Abbreviations