Foreign Relations of the United States, 1969–1976, Volume E–7, Documents on South Asia, 1969–1972
Document 75
75. Telegram 7184 From the
Embassy in Pakistan
to the
Department of State
1
2
Rawalpindi
,
September 10, 1970, 1125Z
Subject:
President
Yahya
on Pakistan Political Situation
Ref:
Karachi 1692
1.
During Ambassador’s conversation with President
Yahya
here September 8,
Yahya
said he had been greatly upset by need for his decision to postpone general elections from October 5 until December 7. He said a number of factors had led to his decision. He mentioned specifically the inability of existing bureaucratic machinery to cope simultaneously with flood relief requirements and election preparations in East Pakistan.
Yahya
noted that Paks were completely out of practice on election procedures.
2.
Yahya
said he hoped no one would get idea he was waiverng in any way in his determination to restore civilian government and get back to barracks.
3.
Yahya
went on to voice disappointment over course of political campaign to date. He said he was appalled at lack of leadership and programs offered by the politicians, many of whom were acting like spoiled kids. He had failed see emergence of any statesman-like leadership. When he became discouraged,
Yahya
said, he had to remind himself there had been no democracy in Pakistan and the politicians had little conception of rules and requirements

of a democratic system. In response to query about problem of leadership, Ambassador commented that fractionalization of parties, such as various Muslim leagues, seemed to add to problem.
Yahya
agreed but did not expand. (There has been considerable speculation here recently to effect that Martial Law Administration (mla) would like to see the Muslim leagues merge.)
4.
Yahya said Muuib (East
Pak
Awami league leader) had taken on self-developed cloak of mysticism. He was concerened over Muuib’s promises because they would be extremely difficulty to fulfill.
Yahya
added that Muuib neverthless represented the real strength in East Pakistan and as such he had to be taken into account.
5.
Yahya dismissed Maulana Bhashani, East
Pak
leader of NAP (left), as too old and no longer an important political factor.
6.
Bhutto (
Pak
People’s Party leader) was characterized by
Yahya
as a young, bright demagogue.
Yahya
described Bhutto’s ostensible role of a people’s socialist as farce. In
Yahya
’s opinion, Bhutto is power-crazy and fascist at heart.
Yahya
referred to Bhutto’s statement in recent press conference that
Yahya
’s postponement of elections was caused by US/Soviet pressure. That statement had created some trouble for
Yahya
within MLA and he had to explain that statement was totally false. He assumend Bhutto had issued statement deliberately so as to create friction within MLA.
Yahya
then asked that we not see Bhutto again until after elections. He referred to Pakistan as “closed society” and commented that things tend easily to be misread here.
7.
Comment: Ambassador found
Yahya
obviously discouraged. President seemed to be harboring doubts on prospects for formation of viable new government to replace MLA.
Yahya
seemed more uncertain on this subject than Ambassador had found him in last previous conversation in June.
Yahya
appeared determined to proceed with elections although he is probably keeping options open. Positive factor is
Yahya
’s acknowledgement that Muuib was major force in East Pakistan. Inference is that
Yahya
at least willing conceive dealing with Muuib in post-election period.
Sober
Contents
Press Release
Preface
Sources
Abbreviations