Docs 198-323
U.S. Relations with India and Pakistan, 1972
198. Editorial Note
President Nixon and his Assistant for National Security Affairs Henry Kissinger discussed the aftermath of the crisis in South Asia in a telephone conversation on January 1, 1972. In the course of a general discussion of the impact of the crisis, Kissinger made the point that India needed to reestablish better relations with the United States. He felt that the Gandhi Government would be concerned to offset the embrace of the Soviet Union and the concomitant growth of the Communist party and Communist influence in India.
Discussion then turned to the question of the recognition of Bangladesh. Nixon said it was premature to consider such recognition. Kissinger pointed out that only India and Bhutan had recognized Bangladesh at that point.
Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, White House Tapes, Recording of conversation between Nixon and Kissinger, January 1, 1972, 11:00?11:19 a.m., White House Tapes, Conversation No. 17125.
Ambassador Farland met with Pakistani President Bhutto who was planning to announce that day that Sheikh Mujibur Rahman would be released from prison.
Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Files 1970?73, POL 29 PAK. Secret; Immediate; Exdis. Repeated to Islamabad.
In response to Pakistani President Bhutto?s request to President Nixon for economic assistance to help Pakistan recover from the effects of the war with India, Ambassador Farland said that he was authorized by Nixon to begin negotiations for a new PL?480 agreement.
Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Files 1970?73, POL 15?1 PAK. Confidential; Priority. Repeated to Islamabad, New Delhi, Dacca, and Lahore. The text of Bhutto?s letter to Nixon on December 21, 1971, transmitted to Islamabad on December 30 in telegram 233015, is in Foreign Relations, 1969?1976, vol. XI, South Asia Crisis, 1971, Document 330.
201. Telegram 300 From the Embassy in India to the Department of State, January 9, 1972, 0427Z
Ambassador Keating argued in the Embassy?s policy assessment for 1971 for efforts to improve U.S. relations with the predominant power on the subcontinent.
Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Files 1970?73, POL 1 INDIA?US. Confidential; Limdis. Repeated to Bombay, Calcutta, and Madras with a request that the Department repeat as desired. On January 13 Sisco responded to Keating?s overview of U.S. relations with India with a personal telegram to Keating in which he said that Keating?s analysis was of great value but added: "Many of the policy issues you raise involve a complex series of decisions and it is unlikely that we shall be able to give you a comprehensive reply." (Telegram 6586 to New Delhi; ibid.)
202. Telegram 364 From the Embassy in Pakistan to the Department of State, January 12, 1972, 1130Z
Ambassador Farland reported that Pakistani President Bhutto had reacted skeptically to Mujibur Rahman?s statement that there would be no ties between Bangladesh and West Pakistan.
Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Files 1970?73, POL PAK?US. Secret; Nodis.
Farland assessed the situation in Pakistan and concluded that Pakistani President Bhutto faced serious difficulties in virtually every area of national activity.
Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 138, Kissinger Office Files, Country Files, Middle East, Farland, Amb. (Pakistan). Secret. Kissinger?s and Nixon?s initials were written on the message in what appears to be Haig?s handwriting, suggesting it was forwarded to both of them. Farland was responding to a request from Nixon, sent to him backchannel on January 2, for an assessment of the situation in Pakistan. (Backchannel message WH 20010 from Kissinger to Farland; ibid., Box 426, Backchannel Files, Backchannel Messages 1972, Amb. Farland, Pakistan)
Nixon and Kissinger looked toward improved relations with India, but not until mid-year.
Source: Library of Congress, Manuscript Division, Kissinger Papers, Box 397, Telephone Conversations, Home File, Jan-Apr 1972. No classification marking. The omission is in the original transcription.
205. Telegram 642 From the Embassy in India to the Department of State, January 16, 1972, 0711Z
Ambassador Keating reported that Foreign Secretary Kaul told him that his Government felt the time had come to improve relations between India and the United States.
Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Files 1970?73, POL INDIA?US. Confidential; Limdis. Repeated to Islamabad, Moscow, London, Madras, Calcutta, Bombay, and Bangkok for Nelson Gross, the Secretary?s Coordinator for International Narcotics Affairs.
206. Memorandum From Secretary of State Rogers to President Nixon, Washington, January 17, 1972
Rogers submitted to Nixon a paper prepared in the Department of State outlining policy objectives in South Asia with the suggestion that it be circulated to the members of the NSC as a basis for discussion.
Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, NSC Institutional Files (H-Files), Box H?062, SRG Meeting, South Asia, 1/19/72. Secret; Nodis. The attached paper was Secret; Exdis. Rogers? memorandum and the attached paper, drafted on January 15, were circulated on January 17 by NSC Staff Secretary Jeanne Davis to the Under Secretary of State, the Deputy Secretary of Defense, the Chairman of the JCS, and the Director of the CIA. (Ibid., NSC Files, Box 642, Middle East, South Asia, Vol. IV (1972)) An earlier draft of the paper, submitted on January 7 by Sisco to Rogers, indicates it was drafted in NEA/INC by Quainton with the concurrence of Schneider and Van Hollen. (Ibid., RG 59, Central Files 1970?73, DEF1?1 ASIA SE)
The summary analyzed the papers dealing with postwar issues in South Asia which were prepared for the Senior Review Group in anticipation of its meeting on January 19.
Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, NSC Institutional Files (H-Files), Box H?062, SRG Meeting, South Asia, 1/19/72. Secret; Nodis. Saunders and Kennedy transmitted the summary to Kissinger in a January 17 memorandum. (Ibid.) The reference in the summary to a Department of State options paper is to Document 206. The remainder of the papers cited in the study can be found in the National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, NSC Institutional Files (H-Files), Box H?062, SRG Meeting, South Asia, 1/19/72, and ibid., NSC Files, Box 642, Middle East, South Asia, Vol. IV (1972). The paper dealing with Bangladesh and the letters from Prime Ministers Heath and McMahon are included in the Bangladesh compilation in this volume. See documents 376, 386,and 387.
208. Letter From the Pakistani Ambassador (Raza) to President Nixon, Washington, January 18, 1972
Raza conveyed a letter from Pakistani President Bhutto to Nixon in which Bhutto expressed appreciation for the support the U.S. gave to Pakistan during the conflict with India, and asked for continuing U.S. support as Pakistan attempted to negotiate a peace settlement and recover from the impact of the conflict.
Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 760, Presidential Correspondence File, Pakistan, President Bhutto. No classification marking. The text of Bhutto?s letter was transmitted to Islamabad on January 28 in telegram 16271. (Ibid., RG 59, Central Files 1970?73, POL 15?1 US/NIXON)
209. Telegram 774 From the Embassy in India to the Department of State, January 19, 1972, 1110Z
Ambassador Keating asked for authorization to reciprocate the interest in improved relations expressed by Indian Foreign Secretary Kaul on January 15. Keating recognized that a policy review was in process in Washington but felt that neither country should delay the process of improving bilateral relations.
Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Files 1970?73, POL INDIA?US. Confidential; Priority; Limdis. Repeated to Bombay, Calcutta, Dacca, Islamabad, Madras, and priority to Saigon for Nelson Gross. Telegram 300 and 642 are Documents 201 and 205.
210. Minutes of Senior Review Group Meeting, Washington, January 19, 1972, 3:04?4:25 p.m.
The Senior Review Group reviewed South Asia policy and decided to recommend that recognition of Bangladesh be postponed, the restoration of improved relations with India take place slowly, and restrictions on trade with Pakistan be removed.
Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, NSC Institutional Files (H-Files), Box H?113, SRG Minutes, Originals, 1972?1973. Secret; Nodis. The January 19 attachment is Top Secret; Sensitive. No drafting information appears on the minutes. The meeting was held in the White House Situation Room. For the Departments of State and Defense documents cited by Kissinger see Documents 206 and 207.
211. Airgram A?20 From the Embassy in India to the Department of State, January 21, 1972
The Embassy offered an assessment of India?s nuclear intentions.
Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Files 1970?73, DEF 18?8 INDIA. Secret; Exdis; Noforn; dissem/controlled, dissem/no dissem abroad. For background use only. Repeated to Bombay, Calcutta, and Madras. Drafted on January 17 by political officer Harmon Kirby and approved by DCM Galen Stone.
212. Telegram 11838 From the Department of State to the Embassy in India, January 21, 1972, 1406Z
Ambassador Jha met with Under Secretary of State Irwin to reiterate India?s interest in improved relations with the United States.
Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Files 1970?73, POL INDIA?US. Secret; Limdis. Drafted on January 20 by Quainton, cleared by Van Hollen, and approved by Irwin. Repeated to Kathmandu, Dacca, Islamabad, Saigon, and Moscow.
The Department of Defense recommended renewal of military supplies to Pakistan, conditioned upon the political climate in the U.S. and the impact of such supplies on prospects for a settlement between Pakistan and India.
Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, NSC Institutional Files (H-Files), Box H?062, SRG Meeting, South Asia, 1/19/72. Secret; Sensitive.
Raza transmitted a letter to Nixon from Pakistani President Bhutto in which Bhutto asked the United States to underwrite the sale of rice by Pakistan to what he continued to refer to as East Pakistan.
Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 760, Presidential Correspondence File, Pakistan, President Bhutto. Most Immediate. The attached letter is undated and bears an unsigned typed signature. Kissinger?s handwritten notation on Raza?s letter reads: "Al?Make sure this receives urgent attention." Haig, in turn, wrote on the letter: "Saunders Rush." The text of Bhutto?s letter was transmitted to Islamabad on January 29 in telegram 16993. (Ibid., RG 59, Central Files 1970?73, INCO?RICE 17 BANGLA DESH?US)
The memorandum transmitted the joint State-AID recommendations for economic policy for Pakistan and India, put forward in response to a tasking from the Senior Review Group, which included PL?480 agreements with both countries and debt deferral for Pakistan. From the perspective of State and AID, the resumption of economic assistance to India should depend upon "Indian intentions."
Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Files 1970?73, AID (US) INDIA. Secret. Drafted by Tiger and Francis H. Thomas (NEA/PAF); revised by Irwin; cleared by Laingen, Schneider, Van Hollen, and Sisco, and by Rees and Williams. Deputy Executive Secretary Robert T. Curran signed for Eliot.
The Department recommended continued suspension of the sale or delivery of lethal military equipment and spare parts to India and Pakistan "until the situation is further clarified."
Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, NSC Institutional Files (H-Files), Box H?061, SRG Meeting, South Asia, 2/1/72. Secret; Exdis. Curran signed for Eliot.
In a memorandum prepared for Kissinger and the Senior Review Group, the Department outlined alternate strategies for U.S. policy in South Asia. One strategy called for no major modifications of policy while the situation on the subcontinent was still in flux. The other envisioned taking advantage of the fluid situation to move toward more normal relations with India and to recognize and establish relations with Bangladesh.
Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, NSC Institutional Files (H-Files), Box H?061, SRG Meeting, South Asia, 2/1/72. Secret; Exdis. Curran signed the memorandum for Eliot.
Raza informed Sisco that Pakistan intended to call upon the UN Security Council to post UN observers along the border between India and Pakistan to report on Indian violations of the cease-fire. Pakistan requested U.S. support for this initiative.
Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Files 1970?73, POL 27?14 INDIA?PAK/UN. No classification marking.
In a summary prepared for Kissinger, Saunders and Kennedy analyzed issues concerning South Asia that the Senior Review Group was scheduled to discuss on February 1. Drawing on papers prepared by the Departments of State and Defense, AID, and the NSC staff, they summarized issues relating to strategy, humanitarian assistance, economic assistance, military supply, and cease-fire and withdrawal.
Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, NSC Institutional Files (H-Files), Box H?061, SRG Meeting, 2/1/72. Secret. A January 28 memorandum from Saunders and Kennedy to Kissinger indicates that they drafted the summary. (Ibid.) Of the papers cited in the summary, the January 28 Department of State paper dealing with alternate strategies is Document 217 and the January 25 paper on economic assistance for India and Pakistan is Document 215. Two of the papers dealing with military supply, dated January 22 and January 26, are Documents 213 and 216. The third, "Commerce Licenses for India and Pakistan," is in the National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, NSC Institutional Files (H-Files), Box H?061, SRG Meeting, South Asia, 2/1/72. On January 28 the NSC staff prepared an assessment of a Department of State paper dealing with the issues of ceasefire and withdrawal that was sent to the NSC on December 22. The paper and assessment can be found ibid. A January 26 paper dealing with humanitarian assistance is in the Bangladesh compilation in this volume as Document 389.
The discussion in the summary of the possibility of the U.S adopting a more independent position vis-?-vis the three major powers of the area, in the paragraph which outlines Strategy II, prompted Kissinger to ask a question in the margin: "When?"
220. Minutes of Senior Review Group Meeting, Washington, February 1, 1972, 2:35?3:57 p.m.
The Senior Review Group discussed several policy issues relating to South Asia that were pending decision. Much of the discussion dealt with humanitarian assistance to Bangladesh.
Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, NSC Institutional Files (H-Files), Box H?061, SRG Meeting, 2/1/72. Secret; Sensitive. The meeting was held in the White House Situation Room. No drafting information appears on the minutes.
221. Memorandum for the President?s File, Washington, February 3, 1972
In a conversation with Ambassador Keating, President Nixon told him to tell the Indian Government that "India has a friend in the White House." The President?s Assistant for National Security Affairs Kissinger added: "But we must move at a measured pace."
Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, White House Special Files, President?s Office Files, Box 87, Memoranda for the President, Beginning January 30, 1972. Top Secret; Sensitive; Exclusively Eyes Only. Prepared but not initialed by Kissinger.
In the light of reports indicating that India might test a nuclear weapon in the near future, Nutter pointed up the dangerous implications of such a development.
Source: Washington National Records Center, OSD Files, FRC 77?0094, India 471.61, 1972. Secret; Sensitive. A stamped notation on the memorandum indicates that Laird saw it on February 5. A handwritten note in an unknown hand, beneath Nutter?s signature, reads: "L & N?We might pressure USSR to control Indian nuclear ventures."
223. Memorandum for the President?s File, Washington, February 8, 1972, 3:15?4:20 p.m.
President Nixon and World Bank President Robert McNamara discussed restoration of U.S. economic assistance to India. Nixon questioned the value of such assistance for the U.S.
Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, White House Special Files, President?s Office Files, Box 87, Memoranda for the President, Beginning February 6, 1972. Top Secret; Sensitive; Exclusively Eyes Only. Prepared but not initialed by Kissinger. The meeting was held in the President?s office in the Old Executive Office Building. Connally also attended the meeting. The conversation was also tape-recorded. (Ibid., White House Tapes, Recording of conversation among Nixon, Connally, Kissinger, and McNamara, February 8, 1972, 3:15?4:20, Old Executive Office Building, Conversation No. 320?328)
224. Telegram 1770 From the Embassy in India to the Department of State, February 10, 1972, 1500Z
Ambassador Keating reported that he and Indian Foreign Secretary Kaul had discussed steps that could be taken to improve relations between the United States and India.
Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Files 1970?73, POL INDIA?US. Secret; Immediate; Exdis. Sent by Keating with an instruction to deliver to Sisco at the opening of business on February 10.
225. Memorandum of Conversation, Washington, February 11, 1972, 1 p.m.
The President?s Assistant for National Security Affairs Kissinger and Indian Ambassador Jha discussed the possibility of establishing a "realistic" relationship between the United States and India. Kissinger reviewed the controversy over whether he had offered an assurance, during his trip to India in July 1971, that the U.S. would come to India?s assistance if India was attacked by China.
Source: Library of Congress, Manuscript Division, Kissinger Papers, Box TS 28, Geopolitical File, India, Chronological File, 4 Nov 1971?19 Sept 1973. Top Secret; Sensitive; Eyes Only. The meeting was held in Kissinger?s office.
226. Telegram 1581 From the Embassy in Pakistan to the Department of State, February 17, 1972, 1330Z
Charg? Sober reported on indications that Pakistan was interested in a closer security relationship with the U.S. and would welcome the lifting of the arms embargo.
Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Files 1970?73, DEF 15 PAK?US. Secret; Nodis. Sent to the Department for the attention of Van Hollen.
227. Telegram 1622 From the Embassy in Pakistan to the Department of State, February 18, 1972, 1800Z
The Embassy transmitted a message from Pakistani President Bhutto to President Nixon in which Bhutto reviewed Pakistan?s grievances and concerns regarding India in the hope that they would factor into Nixon?s discussions with Chinese leaders during Nixon?s impending visit to China.
Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 627, Country Files, Middle East, Pakistan, Vol. IX, Jan?31 Aug 72. Secret; Immediate; Exdis.
Cline sent to Helms INR?s assessment of the possibility that India was developing a nuclear weapon.
Source: Central Intelligence Agency, DCI Files, Job 80?B01086A, Box 1, Folder 59, India. Secret; No Foreign Dissem. The attached secret report was drafted on February 10 by William D. Howells (INR/DRR/RNA) and Lawrence E. Finch, Chief of the Strategic Affairs Division (INR/DRR/RSG).
229. Telegram 1833 From the Embassy in Pakistan to the Department of State, February 25, 1972, 1050Z
Charg? Sober reported that Pakistani President Bhutto was prepared to meet with Indian Prime Minister Gandhi in New Delhi to discuss a comprehensive peace settlement.
Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Files 1970?73, POL 15?1 PAK. Secret; Exdis. Repeated to New Delhi, Dacca, Karachi, and Lahore.
230. Telegram 1834 From the Embassy in Pakistan to the Department of State, February 25, 1972, 1117Z
In a conversation with Charg? Sober, Pakistani President Bhutto indicated that he was interested in pursuing a closer security relationship between Pakistan and the United States.
Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Files 1970?73, POL 15?1 PAK. Confidential; Exdis. Repeated to New Delhi, Karachi, Lahore, and CINCPAC for POLAD.
231. Editorial Note
In a speech broadcast to the nation on March 6, 1972, President Bhutto announced that the National Assembly of Pakistan would be convened on April 14 to formulate plans for an interim Constitution. He also announced that martial law would be lifted on August 14. The National Assembly approved an interim Constitution on April 18 and Bhutto issued a proclamation suspending martial law on April 20.
Source: Telegrams 2087, 3396, and 3530 from Islamabad, March 6, April 18, and April 21. Telegrams 2087 and 3530 are in the National Archives, RG 59, Central Files 1970?73, POL 23?9 PAK. Telegram 3396 is ibid., POL 15?5 PAK.
232. Telegram 2922 From the Embassy in India to the Department of State, March 8, 1972, 1624Z
The Embassy reported that criticism of the United States was a constant theme during a 3-week campaign tour of India by Prime Minister Gandhi. Her anti-U.S. tone was only partially mitigated by occasional acknowledgement of a desire to improve Indo-U.S. relations.
Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Files 1970?73, POL 15?1 INDIA. Confidential. Repeated to Islamabad, London, Moscow, Dacca, Madras, Bombay, Calcutta, and CINCPAC.
233. Memorandum of Conversation, Washington, March 10, 1972, 4 p.m.
The President?s Assistant for National Security Affairs Kissinger and Indian Ambassador Jha discussed prospects for improving relations between the U.S. and India in the wake of President Nixon?s trip to China.
Source: Library of Congress, Manuscript Division, Kissinger Papers, Box TS 28, Geopolitical File, India Chronological File, 4 Nov 1971?19 Sept 1973. Top Secret; Sensitive; Eyes Only. The meeting was held in Kissinger?s office in the White House.
Saunders and Hoskinson outlined for Kissinger "where we stand on the economic aid front for Pakistan and where we seem to be heading."
Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 627, Country Files, Middle East, Pakistan, Vol. IX, Jan?31 Aug 72. Confidential. Sent for information. Kissinger initialed the memorandum.
235. Telegram 2213 From the Embassy in Pakistan to the Department of State, March 10, 1972, 0725Z
Pakistan offered to make military facilities available in Pakistan for U.S. use as part of a program of closer military collaboration between the two countries.
Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Files 1970?73, DEF PAK?US. Top Secret; Exdis.
236. Memorandum From Secretary of State Rogers to President Nixon, Washington, March 17, 1972
Rogers conveyed to Nixon an assessment of the Pakistani proposals for closer military collaboration and policy recommendations based on the assessment.
Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 627, Country Files, Middle East, Pakistan, Vol. IX, Jan?31 Aug 72. Secret; Exdis.
Sisco reported on a meeting of the Senior Review Group on March 17. The SRG discussed the major pending policy issues related to South Asia, including the recognition of Bangladesh.
Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Files 1970?73, POL 1 ASIA SE?US. Secret; Nodis. Drafted by Van Hollen on March 17 and sent through Irwin. This is the only record of this meeting of the Senior Review Group that has been found.
238. Letter From President Nixon to Pakistani President Bhutto, Washington, March 22, 1972
Nixon discussed his trip to China. He also offered Bhutto the assurance that "We will continue to demonstrate our concern for the well-being and the security of the people of Pakistan and help you through this extremely difficult post-war period."
Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 760, Presidential Correspondence File, Pakistan, President Bhutto. No classification marking. A copy of Bhutto?s March 1 letter to Nixon, in which he discussed his impending trips to New Delhi and Moscow, is ibid., RG 59, Central Files 1970?73, POL 15?1 PAK. Nixon?s letter to Bhutto was transmitted to Islamabad on March 23 in telegram 49845. (Ibid., POL 15?1 US/NIXON)
239. Telegram 49598 From the Department of State to the Embassy in Pakistan, March 23, 1972, 0219Z
The Department transmitted to the Embassy a summary of an extensive request for military assistance and sales conveyed to Assistant Secretary Sisco on March 20 by Pakistani Ambassador Raza. The request included 100 tanks, 4 submarines, and 3 squadrons of planes.
Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Files 1970?73, DEF 12?5 PAK. Secret; Exdis. Drafted by Peter Constable (NEA/PAF) on March 21; cleared by Laingen, Schneider, Van Hollen, and Alan Ford, Deputy Director of the Office of Military Assistance and Sales (PM/MAS); and approved by Sisco. Sent for information to DOD/ISA/NESA for Colonel Gross. Raza?s letter to Sisco can be found ibid., Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 627, Country File, Middle East, Pakistan, Vol. IX, Jan?31 Aug 72.
240. Memorandum From Secretary of State Rogers to President Nixon, Washington, March 23, 1972
Rogers informed Nixon about his conversation on March 22 with Aziz Ahmed, Secretary General of the Pakistani Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Ahmed pressed for a decision on Pakistan?s request for military sales and assistance and for an assessment of the future role of the U.S. in South Asia. Rogers assured Ahmed of continuing U.S. support for Pakistan and added that the issue of military supply was under review.
Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 627, Country File, Middle East, Pakistan, Vol. IX, Jan?31 Aug 72. Secret; Exdis. Irwin signed for Rogers.
241. Telegram 3666 From the Embassy in India to the Department of State, March 23, 1972, 1550Z
Ambassador Keating expressed his opposition to any increase in U.S. military collaboration with Pakistan.
Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Files 1970?73, DEF 15 PAK?US. Top Secret; Exdis.
Rogers told Kissinger that when he met with Secretary General Ahmed, Ahmed would press for a decision to renew the supply of military equipment to Pakistan. Kissinger responded: "That?s not on."
Source: Library of Congress, Manuscript Division, Kissinger Papers, Box 371, Telephone Conversations, Chronological File. No classification marking.
243. Memorandum of Conversation, Washington, March 29, 1972, 12:15 p.m.
Secretary General Ahmed discussed Pakistan?s security concerns with President Nixon and his Assistant for National Security Affairs Kissinger. He urged the U.S. to maintain a strong presence in South Asia. Nixon responded that his administration would provide all the help that it could to Pakistan, but most of it would be economic assistance. He said it would be difficult to consider military assistance until after the election in November. He added that he intended to recognize Bangladesh within the week. Nixon and Kissinger assured Ahmed of U.S. support for Pakistan in the event of an attack by India.
Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, White House Special Files, President?s Office Files, Box 88, Memoranda for the President, Beginning March 26, 1972. Secret; Nodis. The meeting was held in Kissinger?s office in the White House. A handwritten notation on the memorandum indicates that Saunders prepared it for the President?s file.
244. Memorandum of Conversation, Washington, March 31, 1972
The President?s Assistant for National Security Affairs Kissinger emphasized to Indian Ambassador Jha the need for India to exercise restraint in dealing with Pakistan. If it did not, and if it used threats of military action, Kissinger said U.S. "restraint would be more difficult to maintain." He added that the U.S. would oppose any attempt to force territorial changes in Kashmir.
Source: Library of Congress, Manuscript Division, Kissinger Papers, Box TS 28, Geopolitical File, India Chronological File, 4 Nov 1971?19 Sept 1973. Top Secret; Sensitive; Exclusively Eyes Only. Apparently drafted by Kissinger. The luncheon meeting took place in Kissinger?s office. The attached clipping is page 17 from the March 27 edition of Newsweek magazine. The Anderson papers were copies of columns written by Jack Anderson for The Washington Post based upon records of WSAG meetings during the December crisis.
245. Telegram 2923 From the Embassy in Pakistan to the Department of State, April 4, 1972, 0708Z
Charg? Sober questioned Pakistani President Bhutto about the request for arms put forward in Washington by Secretary General Ahmed. Bhutto said he did not expect a reply on the bulk of the request until after the U.S. presidential election, but added that the need for spare parts to keep old equipment operational was pressing.
Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Files 1970?73, POL INDIA?PAK. Secret; Exdis. Repeated to New Delhi.
Raza detailed the efforts his Government was making to initiate negotiations with India and alleged that India had established preconditions for negotiations designed to delay an agreement to settle the crisis. Pakistan called on the U.S. to impress on India the need for an early settlement of the problems of the subcontinent.
Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Files 1970?73, POL 27?14 INDIA?PAK. No classification marking.
With the President?s Assistant for National Security Affairs Kissinger?s approval, Haig authorized a presentation to Congress on economic assistance for South Asia for the fiscal year that called for $90 million for India, $75 million for Pakistan, and $135 million in an unallocated reserve.
Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 642, Country Files, Middle East, South Asia, Vol. IV. Confidential. Sent for action. Kissinger?s handwritten comment on the first page of the attached memorandum reads: "There is no chance of giving $200 million to India." There is a note in the margin of that document in a hand that is apparently Saunders? that reads: "75?75." Haig wrote "OK" on the Use 90/75 option, and added: "Hal I?ve checked w/ HAK." Saunders noted on the memorandum that he notified AID and OMB on April 13 of the revised decision.
248. Telegram 65190 From the Department of State to the Embassy in Pakistan, April 14, 1972, 2358Z
Ambassador Farland was instructed upon his return to Islamabad to conduct with Pakistani President Bhutto a full review of U.S.-Pakistani relations and of prospects for peace on the subcontinent.
Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 627, Country Files, Middle East, Pakistan, Vol. IX, Jan?31 Aug 72. Secret; Exdis. Drafted by Constable; cleared by Laingen, Schneider, Van Hollen, and Sisco; also cleared by U. Alexis Johnson, Williams, and at the White House by Haig; and approved by Van Hollen. Repeated to Dacca, New Delhi, and USUN.
249. Minutes of Senior Review Group Meeting, Washington, April 17, 1972, 3:05?4:04 p.m.
The Senior Review Group discussed U.S. policy objectives in South Asia and the issues bearing on the possibility of improving relations with India. Members agreed that, to the extent possible, U.S. humanitarian and economic assistance to Bangladesh should be provided on a bilateral rather than a multilateral basis.
Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, NSC Institutional Files (H-Files), Box H?064, SRG Meeting, South Asia, 4/17/72. Top Secret; Sensitive. The meeting was held in the White House Situation Room. No drafting information appears on the minutes. The brief from which Helms spoke in assessing the situation in South Asia can be found ibid. The draft telegram cited in the minutes, containing instructions for opening a dialogue with India on a number of contentious issues, was not sent to New Delhi. After discussion by the Senior Review Group, the telegram was revised in the Department of State and returned to Kissinger for approval on April 19. (Memorandum from Eliot to Kissinger; National Archives, RG 59, Central Files 1970?73, POL 27 INDIA?PAK) The revised telegram was not sent because of continuing criticism by the Gandhi Government of the U.S. role in Vietnam. See Document 252.
Kissinger approved a telegram to Ambassador Keating instructing him to explain to the Indian Government the presentation being made to Congress on the proposed "provisional" assistance program for India.
Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 598, Country Files, Middle East, India, Vol. V, 31 Dec 71?July 1972. Limited Official Use. Sent for action. Sent to Kissinger through Haig. Kissinger initialed the approval line. Saunders added a handwritten note in the margin that reads: "with addition conveyed orally by Kennedy." The addition is not marked on the attached draft telegram. A comparison of the draft text with the telegram as sent on April 19 reveals that Kissinger added the penultimate sentence before approving the telegram. That sentence contained an important qualification: "Decisions on allocation will depend on the results of that review and on the circumstances at the time, and you should make clear that no inference should be drawn one way or the other regarding what amounts, if any, might be made available." See Document 253.
251. Letter From Pakistani President Bhutto to President Nixon, Rawalpindi, April 18, 1972
Bhutto wrote to request that the U.S. intervene on behalf of the Pakistani prisoners of war being held he alleged as bargaining chips by India and under threat of prosecution by Bangladesh for war crimes.
Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 760, Presidential Correspondence File, Pakistan, President Bhutto. Secret. The letter was delivered to the Department of State on April 25, under cover of a transmittal letter from Charg? M. Akram Zaki. The letter was forwarded to the White House on the same day. (Memorandum from Eliot to Kissinger, April 25; ibid., RG 59, Central Files 1970?73, POL PAK?US) The text of the letter was transmitted to Islamabad on April 26 in telegram 72027. (Ibid., POL 15?1 US/NIXON)
252. Telegram 67415 From the Department of State to the Embassy in India, April 19, 1972, 1635Z
Ambassador Keating was instructed to lodge a strong objection to the statement made by the Indian Foreign Minister in Parliament on April 17 concerning Vietnam. The U.S. considered the statement to be "a further unfriendly act on part of GOI," and Keating was instructed to minimize his contacts with Indian officials for 2 weeks.
Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Files 1970?73, POL INDIA?US. Secret; Priority; Nodis. Drafted on April 18 by Schneider; cleared in NEA by Davies, in EA by Deputy Assistant Secretary William H. Sullivan, and in the White House by Sonnenfeldt; and approved by Irwin.
253. Telegram 67420 From the Department of State to the Embassy in India, April 19, 1972, 1650Z
The Embassy was instructed to use the details of the proposed economic assistance program for South Asia provided in telegram 67420 to brief the Indian Government on the provisional nature of the $90 million allocation for India.
Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Files 1970?73, AID (US) INDIA. Confidential; Immediate. Repeated to Islamabad and Dacca. Drafted on April 18 by Schneider; cleared by Laingen and Van Hollen, MacDonald(AID),and Saunders (White House); and approved by Irwin.
254. Telegram 4957 From the Embassy in India to the Department of State, April 20, 1972, 1426Z
Ambassador Keating questioned whether the instruction to register a stiff protest with Indian Foreign Minister Swaran Singh over his statement about Vietnam might have the effect of attaching more importance to the incident than the U.S. intended.
Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Files 1970?73, POL INDIA?US. Secret; Niact; Immediate; Nodis.
255. Telegram 69080 From the Department of State to the Embassy in India, April 21, 1972, 0126Z
The Department agreed that Ambassador Keating should tone down his objection to Indian Foreign Minister Singh?s statement somewhat when he met with the Foreign Minister.
Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Files 1970?73, POL INDIA?US. Secret; Immediate; Nodis. Drafted on April 20 by Schneider; cleared by Van Hollen, Davies, and Haig (White House); and approved by Rogers.
256. Telegram 5044 From the Embassy in India to the Department of State, April 21, 1972, 1450Z
Ambassador Keating registered with Indian Foreign Minister Singh an objection to his "unbalanced" statement about the U.S. bombing campaign in North Vietnam. Singh denied that his statement was biased and argued that it was an "objective judgment" on the situation as he saw it. He felt the issue should not prejudice progress toward improved relations.
Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Files 1970?73, POL INDIA?US. Secret; Priority; Nodis.
Saunders and Hoskinson summarized for Kissinger a CIA assessment of India?s foreign policy in the wake of the war with Pakistan. They also drew policy implications from the assessment.
Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 598, Country Files, Middle East, India, Vol. V, 31 Dec 71?July 1972. Secret. Sent for information. A notation on the memorandum indicates Kissinger saw it. The 25-page Office of National Estimates memorandum summarized by Saunders and Hoskinson, entitled "India?s Postwar Foreign Policy," April 5, is ibid.
258. Telegram 5254 From the Embassy in India to the Department of State, April 27, 1972, 1705Z
Ambassador Keating called for Washington to begin the process of trying to reverse what he saw as the "continued downward spiral" of relations between the U.S. and India.
Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Files 1970?73, POL INDIA?US. Secret; Nodis.
259. National Intelligence Estimate 32?72, Washington, May 5, 1972
NIE 32?72 assessed Pakistan?s difficult situation and uncertain future.
Source: Central Intelligence Agency, Job 79?R01012A, NIC Files. Secret; Controlled Dissem. According to a note on the cover sheet, the estimate was prepared by the CIA, and the intelligence organizations in the Departments of State, Defense, and the Treasury, and the NSA. All members of the U.S. Intelligence Board concurred in the estimate except the representative of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, who abstained because the subject was outside of his jurisdiction. An initial cover sheet and table of contents are not published.
260. Telegram 5704 From the Embassy in India to the Department of State, May 8, 1972, 1445Z
In light of the qualified nature of proposed U.S. economic assistance for India, and the failure to restore the assistance embargoed during the crisis, the Indian Foreign Ministry concluded that the U.S. was no longer interested in the economic development of India and stipulated that "all Americans working on economic aid" should leave India within a month.
Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Files 1970?73, AID (US) INDIA. Confidential; Nodis. Eyes only for Sisco and Hannah.
261. Telegram 83263 From the Department of State to the Embassy in India, May 11, 1972, 2350Z
Ambassador Keating was instructed to propose consultations to produce a mutually agreed reduction of U.S. AID staff members in India, taking into account U.S. and Indian priorities for various programs.
Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Files 1970?73, AID (US) INDIA. Secret; Priority; Nodis. Eyes only for Ambassador from Hannah and Sisco. Drafted by Schneider and by Williams and Hannah; cleared by Van Hollen, Sisco, Williams, and Hannah; and approved by Irwin.
262. Telegram 5892 From the Embassy in India to the Department of State, May 12, 1972, 0835Z
The Embassy submitted to the Department of External Affairs a list of AID personnel working in India with an indication of those leaving by September who would not be replaced.
Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Files 1970?73, AID (US) INDIA. Confidential; Priority; Nodis. Eyes Only for Sisco and Hannah.
263. Telegram 85263 From the Department of State to the Embassy in India, May 16, 1972, 0035Z
The Department reiterated that the Indian Government should be made aware that the request to reduce AID staff in India was carefully considered in Washington, and that the U.S. concurred.
Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Files 1970?73, AID (US) INDIA. Secret; Priority; Nodis. Drafted on May 15 by Schneider; cleared by Van Hollen and Williams, and approved by Sisco.
264. Telegram 6684 From the Embassy in India to the Department of State, May 31, 1972, 1430Z
The question of eliminating the U.S. technical assistance program was considered at "the highest levels," and it was decided that India would continue to request technical assistance in areas where U.S. technical superiority was obvious.
Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Files 1970?73, AID (US) INDIA. Secret; Priority; Nodis. Eyes Only for Hannah and Sisco. Additional documentation on the further reduction of U.S. economic and technical assistance programs in India can be found ibid.
265. Telegram 7113 From the Embassy in India to the Department of State, June 9, 1972, 1525Z
Ambassador Keating viewed the impending visit of outgoing Secretary of the Treasury Connally as an opportunity to take a step in the direction of repairing relations between the U.S. and India.
Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 598, Country Files, Middle East, India, Vol. V, 31 Dec 71?July 1972. Secret; Immediate; Exdis. Connally resigned as Secretary of the Treasury on May 16. Thereafter he visited a number of countries around the world at President Nixon?s request to review with host governments matters of mutual interest. Included on his itinerary were stops in Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, and Afghanistan.
Nixon approved a recommendation that the U.S. participate with other members of the India consortium in rescheduling India?s debt.
Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 598, Country Files, Middle East, India, Vol. V, 31 Dec 71?July 1972. Secret. Sent for action. A stamped notation on the memorandum indicates that Nixon saw it. The President initialed the approval line. Kissinger sent a memorandum to Rogers on June 12 informing him of the President?s decision. (Ibid.) The decision relating to the India consortium came in the wake of the meeting of the Pakistan consortium in Paris on May 26. The United States agreed at that meeting to assume responsibility for $50 million of the $108 million of Pakistan?s long-term debt that was rescheduled and also pledged $60 million of commodity assistance to Pakistan. (Telegram 4900 from Islamabad, June 5; ibid., RG 59, Central Files 1970?73, AID 9 PAK)
267. Memorandum of Conversation, Peking, June 20, 1972, 2:05?6:05 p.m.
In a conversation with Chinese Prime Minister Chou En-lai, the President?s Assistant for National Security Affairs Kissinger reviewed the cooperation between the United States and China during the crisis in South Asia.
Source: Library of Congress, Kissinger Papers, Manuscript Division, Box TS 36, South Asia, Chronological File, July 1971?Nov 1972. Top Secret; Sensitive; Exclusively Eyes Only. The conversation was held in the Great Hall of the People.
268. Memorandum of Conversation, Peking, June 22, 1972, 3:58?6:35 p.m.
The President?s Assistant for National Security Affairs Kissinger and Chinese Prime Minister Chou En-lai shared their concern about Soviet influence in South Asia and their opposition to the development of Indian hegemony over the subcontinent.
Source: Library of Congress, Kissinger Papers, Manuscript Division, Box TS 36, South Asia Chronological File, July 1971?Nov 1972. Top Secret; Sensitive; Exclusively Eyes Only. The conversation was held in a guest house.
269. Telegram 5434 From the Embassy in Pakistan to the Department of State, June 22, 1972, 1138Z
Pakistani President Bhutto indicated that he was prepared to be as flexible as possible during his forthcoming summit meeting with Indian Prime Minister Gandhi. He added that if Awami League President Mujibur Rahman was prepared to meet without requiring prior recognition of his government and dropped the threat to try Pakistani prisoners as war criminals, he anticipated that he could propose recognition of Bangaladesh following a meeting with Mujib in July.
Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Files 1970?73, POL INDIA?PAK. Confidential; Exdis. Repeated to Dacca, New Delhi, London, Karachi, and Lahore.
270. Telegram WH 22043 From the White House to the Embassy in New Zealand, June 22, 1972, 2349Z
Deputy Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs Haig cabled former Treasury Secretary Connally on President?s Assistant for National Security Affairs Kissinger?s instructions to suggest that when he met with Indian Prime Minister Gandhi in New Delhi he inform her that a continuing stream of public criticism of U.S. policy in Vietnam on the part of her and members of her Government would not form a basis for the dialogue to improve India?s relations with the U.S. that they indicated they wanted to initiate.
Source: Library of Congress, Manuscript Division, Kissinger Papers, Box CL 150, Geopolitical File, India, 21 May 1971?21 Dec 1972. Secret; Eyes Only. The telegram was sent from Haig to Connally and marked for the attention of Hoskinson who was traveling with Connally.
Nixon referred to the previous telegram from Deputy Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs Haig to Connally regarding his meeting with Indian Prime Minister Gandhi and added the following instruction: "I would like to emphasize that it is essential that you take the strongest stand on this issue and would like to reemphasize the importance I attach to your maintaining the toughest and most aloof demeanor during your Indian leg in the face of these Indian attacks."
Source: Library of Congress, Manuscript Division, Kissinger Papers, Box TS 28, Geopolitical File, India Chronological File, 4 Nov 1971?19 Sept 1973. Top Secret; Sensitive; Eyes Only. Haig signed the telegram for Nixon.
272. Intelligence Note Prepared in the Bureau of Intelligence and Research, Washington, July 3, 1972
The note assesses the agreement signed by Pakistani President Bhutto and Indian Prime Minister Gandhi at Simla, India on July 3.
Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Files 1970?73, POL INDIA?PAK. Limited Official Use. Drafted in INR/DRR/RNA by David McGaffey and approved by Office Director Curtis Jones. The Embassy in Pakistan forwarded the text of the Simla agreement to the Department on July 3 in telegram 5737 from Islamabad. (Ibid.) In analyzing the agreement, the Embassy concluded that it set the stage for further negotiations on the central issue of Kashmir. (Telegram 5748 from Islamabad, July 3; ibid) The Department was encouraged by the "clear and repeated affirmation on the part of both India and Pakistan of their desire to put an end to conflict and confrontation in South Asia and of their desire to work towards durable peace." (Telegram 120269 to New Delhi, July 3; ibid.)
273. Telegram 8245 From the Embassy in India to the Department of State, July 4, 1972, 1921Z
The Embassy reported that former Treasury Secretary Connally and Indian Foreign Minister Swaran Singh reviewed the state of U.S.-Indian relations. The focus was on prospects for improved relations, but the exchange became sharp on the issues of U.S. arms supplies to Pakistan and Indian criticism of the U.S. involvement in Vietnam.
Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Files 1970?73, POL 7 US/CONNALLY. Confidential; Exdis. Also designated Conto 220. Repeated to Islamabad, Dacca, Bombay, Calcutta, Madras, Athens for Secretary Rogers, the White House for Jeanne Davis, and Treasury for Leonard S. Dixon, Director of the Office of Administration. Connally?s stops in South Asia included Dacca, July 3 and 4, New Delhi, July 4 and 5, Islamabad, July 5?7, and Kabul, July 7. A number of the issues discussed by Connally and Singh on July 4 were explored at greater length with Foreign Secretary Kaul on July 5 by Van Hollen, DCM Galen Stone, and John M. Hennessy, Assistant Secretary of the Treasury for International Affairs. The conversation was reported to the Department on July 6 in Telegram 5874 from Islamabad. (Ibid.)
Kissinger provided an assessment of the Simla agreement.
Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 598, Country Files, Middle East, India, Vol. V, 31 Dec 71?July 1972. Confidential. Sent for information. A stamped notation on the memorandum indicates Nixon saw it.
275. National Security Study Memorandum 156, Washington, July 5, 1972
On behalf of the President, his Assistant for National Security Affairs Kissinger directed that an analysis of the implications for U.S. policy of a nuclear test by India be prepared.
Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 365, Subject Files, National Security Study Memoranda (NSSMs), Nos. 104?206. Secret; Sensitive; Eyes Only. A copy was sent to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
276. Telegram 5868 From the Embassy in Pakistan to the Department of State, July 6, 1972, 1222Z
The cable reported on former Treasury Secretary Connally?s exchange with Indian Finance Minister Y. B. Chavan on July 4. The conversation dealt with international monetary and trade reform and with India?s perception that the rules governing economic assistance were inequitable and worked to the disadvantage of third world countries.
Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Files 1970?73, POL 7 US/CONNALLY. Confidential; Exdis. Also designated Conto 240. Repeated to New Delhi, Dacca, Bombay, Calcutta, Madras, Caltigta, Belgrade for Rogers, the White House for Davis, and Treasury for Dixon.
277. Telegram 4075 From the Embassy in Iran to the Department of State, July 7, 1972, 2117Z
In the first of seven telegrams reporting on his conversation with Indian Prime Minister Gandhi in Simla on July 5, former Treasury Secretary Connally said that he opened the conversation by summarizing the results of President Nixon?s trips to Peking and Moscow.
Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Files 1970?73, POL 7 US/CONNALLY. Secret; Immediate; Nodis. Also designated Conto 254. Sent with instructions to pass to Islamabad, New Delhi, Dacca, the White House for Davis, and Treasury for Dixon.
278. Telegram 4076 From the Embassy in Iran to the Department of State, July 7, 1972, 2120Z
Former Treasury Secretary Connally and Indian Prime Minister Gandhi discussed the Simla agreement. Connally raised the issue of U.S. assistance to India and Bangladesh and expressed concern that U.S. motives were being misconstrued.
Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Files 1970?73, POL 7 US/CONNALLY. Secret; Immediate; Nodis. Also designated as Conto 255. Sent with instructions to pass to Islamabad, New Delhi, Dacca, the White House for Davis, and Treasury for Dixon.
279. Telegram 4077 From the Embassy in Iran to the Department of State, July 7, 1972, 2125Z
In the course of discussing the possibility of improved relations between the U.S. and India, former Treasury Secretary Connally and Indian Prime Minister Gandhi discussed the contentious issues of U.S. military supplies to Pakistan and Indian criticism of U.S. policy in Vietnam.
Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Files 1970?73, POL 7 US/CONNALLY. Secret; Immediate; Nodis. Also designated as Conto 256. Sent with instructions to pass to Islamabad, New Delhi, Dacca, the White House for Davis, and Treasury for Dixon. Telegrams 4077 through 4080 from Iran, which reported on various aspects of Connally?s conversation with Gandhi, Documents 279?282, were misdated as July 8.
280. Telegram 4078 From the Embassy in Iran to the Department of State, July 7, 1972, 2130Z
Former Treasury Secretary Connally and Indian Prime Minister Gandhi discussed economic and monetary issues. Gandhi indicated that although her Government had nationalized a number of insurance companies operating in India, she still welcomed foreign investment in sectors such as banking, where India needed foreign investment and expertise.
Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Files 1970?73, POL 7 US/CONNALLY. Secret; Immediate; Nodis. Also designated as Conto 257. Sent with instructions to pass to the White House for Davis, and Treasury for Dixon.
281. Telegram 4079 From the Embassy in Iran to the Department of State, July 7, 1972, 2130Z
In a discussion of the capability of the new Government of Bangladesh to function effectively, Indian Prime Minister Gandhi reiterated that the return of Bengalis from West Pakistan was important.
Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Files 1970?73, POL 7 US/CONNALLY. Secret; Immediate; Nodis. Also designated as Conto 258. Sent with instructions to pass to the White House for Davis, and Treasury for Dixon.
282. Telegram 4080 From the Embassy in Iran to the Department of State, July 7, 1972, 2135Z
Former Treasury Secretary Connally commented on the U.S. Presidential campaign, expressing confidence in President Nixon?s reelection, and he and Indian Prime Minister Gandhi discussed the political situation in India.
Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Files 1970?73, POL 7 US/CONNALLY. Secret; Immediate; Nodis. Also designated as Conto 259. Sent with instructions to pass to the White House for Davis, and Treasury for Dixon.
283. Telegram 4081 From the Embassy in Iran to the Department of State, July 7, 1972, 2135Z
Former Treasury Secretary Connally reported that Indian Prime Minister Gandhi?s attitude was pleasant and courteous throughout the conversation, even when the exchanges became rather frank.
Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Files 1970?73, POL 7 US/CONNALLY. Secret; Immediate; Nodis. Also designated as Conto 260. Sent with instructions to pass to the White House for Davis, and Treasury for Dixon.
284. Telegram 4085 From the Embassy in Iran to the Department of State, July 8, 1972, 0940Z
In the first of a seven part report on his conversation with Pakistani President Bhutto in Rawalpindi on July 6, Former Treasury Secretary Connally noted that he opened the conversation by indicating that President Nixon had instructed him to inform Bhutto about his trips to Peking and Moscow, and to discuss other issues of mutual interest.
Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Files 1970?73, POL 7 US/CONNALLY. Secret; Immediate; Nodis. Also designated as Conto 263. Sent with instructions to pass to Islamabad, New Delhi, Dacca, the White House for Davis, and Treasury for Dixon.
285. Telegram 4086 From the Embassy in Iran to the Department of State, July 8, 1972, 1000Z
Former Treasury Secretary Connally and Pakistani President Bhutto discussed the U.S. Presidential campaign.
Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Files 1970?73, POL 7 US/CONNALLY. Secret; Immediate; Nodis. Also designated as Conto 264. Sent with instructions to pass to Islamabad, New Delhi, Dacca, the White House for Davis, and Treasury for Dixon.
286. Telegram 4087 From the Embassy in Iran to the Department of State, July 8, 1972, 1030Z
Pakistani President Bhutto outlined the trying circumstances in Pakistan he had to deal with since becoming president. He discussed the difficulties of reaching an understanding with Awami League President Rahman that would enable him to recognize Bangladesh.
Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Files 1970?73, POL 7 US/CONNALLY. Secret; Immediate; Nodis. Also designated as Conto 265. Sent with instructions to pass to Islamabad, New Delhi, Dacca, the White House for Davis, and Treasury for Dixon.
287. Telegram 4088 From the Embassy in Iran to the Department of State, July 8, 1972, 1130Z
Pakistani President Bhutto offered a pessimistic assessment of the Simla conference and the prospects for future dealings with India.
Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Files 1970?73, POL 7 US/CONNALLY. Secret; Immediate; Nodis. Also designated as Conto 266. Sent with instructions to pass to Islamabad, New Delhi, Dacca, the White House for Davis, and Treasury for Dixon.
288. Telegram 4089 From the Embassy in Iran to the Department of State, July 8, 1972, 1215Z
Former Treasury Secretary Connally and Pakistani President Bhutto discussed President Nixon?s trips to China and the Soviet Union. Bhutto pointed to the growing Soviet presence in South Asia and stressed the importance of an offsetting U.S. presence in the area.
Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Files 1970?73, POL 7 US/CONNALLY. Secret; Immediate; Nodis. Also designated as Conto 267. Sent with instructions to pass to Islamabad, New Delhi, Dacca, the White House for Davis, and Treasury for Dixon.
289. Telegram 4090 From the Embassy in Iran to the Department of State, July 8, 1972, 1250Z
Former Treasury Secretary Connally concluded the conversation by offering suggestions on how to promote foreign investment in Pakistan.
Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Files, 1970?73, POL 7 US/CONNALLY. Secret; Immediate; Nodis. Also designated as Conto 268. Sent with instructions to pass to Islamabad, New Delhi, Dacca, the White House for Davis, and Treasury for Dixon.
290. Telegram 4091 From the Embassy in Iran to the Department of State, July 8, 1972, 0645Z
Former Treasury Secretary Connally concluded from his conversation with Pakistani President Bhutto that while Bhutto was "enormously upset" with India, he was intelligent and pragmatic enough to move beyond the crisis and rebuild his country without letting bitterness blind him.
Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Files 1970?73, POL 7 US/CONNALLY. Secret; Immediate; Nodis. Also designated as Conto 269. The time given for the transmission of the telegram is apparently wrong. Sent with instructions to pass to Islamabad, New Delhi, Dacca, the White House for Davis, and Treasury for Dixon.
Kissinger summarized reports from India that indicated Indian concerns about the outcome of the Moscow summit and provided evidence of a generally positive Indian reaction to former Treasury Secretary Connally?s visit to India.
Source: Library of Congress, Manuscript Division, Kissinger Papers, Box CL 210, Geopolitical File, South Asia, Chronological File, Jul 1972?Oct 1974. Secret. Sent for information. Published from an uninitialed copy.
Former Treasury Secretary Connally reported to President Nixon on his trip.
Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, White House Special Files, President?s Office Files, Box 3, Memoranda for the President, Beginning July 9, 1972. Secret; Sensitive; Eyes Only. The meeting was held in the President?s Office in the Western White House.
293. Telegram 9257 From the Embassy in India to the Department of State, July 24, 1972, 1815Z
Ambassador Keating reported a disturbing farewell conversation with Indian Prime Minister Gandhi and drew the conclusion that "at the apex of Indian policy there is a nexus of emotional and distorted attitudes concerning the US which cannot help but burden the prospects for improved Indo-American relations."
Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Files 1970?73, POL INDIA?US. Secret; Exdis. Keating subsequently discussed this conversation with Singh. Singh put the best possible light on the exchange between Gandhi and Keating and concluded that it marked the beginning of a dialogue between India and the United States. (Telegram 9256 from New Delhi, July 25; ibid.)
294. Telegram 9254 From the Embassy in India to the Department of State, July 25, 1972, 1745Z
Ambassador Keating reported on his farewell calls on Indian President Giri, Indian Prime Minister Gandhi, and Indian Foreign Minister Singh. Keating was given what he described as "the Indian treatment": "I was first warmed and relaxed by the affable Giri, then rudely pummeled and goaded by the madam, and finally brain-washed by the great rationalizer Swaran Singh."
Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Files 1970?73, POL INDIA?US. Confidential; Exdis. Keating left his post on July 26. The post remained vacant until Daniel Patrick Moynihan was appointed on February 8, 1973.
295. Telegram 9293 From the Embassy in India to the Department of State, July 26, 1972, 1100Z
The Embassy concluded that India had no current plans to develop nuclear weapons.
Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 598, Country Files, Middle East, India, Vol. V, 31 Dec 71?July 72. Secret; Exdis.
296. Memorandum for the Record, Washington, August 1, 1972
Acting Secretary of State Irwin, Assistant Secretary Sisco, and other interested Department of State officials discussed how best to dissuade India from developing nuclear weapons.
Source: Department of State, NEA/INC Files: Lot 77 D 387, Working File?Indian Nuclear Intentions. Secret; Sensitive. Drafted in NEA/INC on August 2 by Dennis Kux. The 42-page draft response to NSSM 156, prepared in NEA/INC on August 4, is ibid. For NSSM 156, see Document 275.
297. Memorandum of Conversation, Washington, August 2, 1972
Acting Secretary of State Irwin and Indian Ambassador Jha discussed the possibility of developing a dialogue to improve relations between the United States and India. Jha sought to explain the negative comments made by Indian Prime Minister Gandhi during Ambassador Keating?s farewell call and argued that if a constructive dialogue were not initiated soon, increasing anti-American sentiment in India might make it difficult to do so.
Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Files 1970?73, POL INDIA?US. Secret; Nodis. Drafted on August 7 by Kux and cleared in draft by Irwin.
298. Special National Intelligence Estimate 31?72, Washington, August 3, 1972
SNIE 31?72 analyzed Indian nuclear developments and their likely implications.
Source: Central Intelligence Agency, Job 79?R01012A, NIC Files. Secret; Sensitive; Controlled Dissem. According to a note on the cover sheet, the estimate was prepared by the CIA, and the intelligence organizations of the Departments of State and Defense, the AEC, and the NSA. All members of the U.S. Intelligence Board concurred in the estimate except the representatives of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Treasury, who abstained because the subject was outside of their jurisdiction.
299. Memorandum of Conversation, Washington, August 30, 1972, 11:10?11:30 a.m.
During his initial call on Secretary of Defense Laird, Pakistani Ambassador Sultan Mohammed Khan brought up the issue of military supplies for Pakistan and the "one-time exception" sale offer of October 1970. Laird indicated that the U.S. was prepared to consider Pakistan?s request but not until later in the year.
Source: Washington National Records Center, OASD/ISA Files: FRC 75?0125, Pakistan 1972. Confidential. Drafted on September 5 by Lieutenant Colonel Gross and approved by Nutter. The conversation was held in Secretary Laird?s office.
300. Response to National Security Study Memorandum 156, Washington, September 1, 1972
In response to NSSM 156, the NSC Interdepartmental Group for Near East and South Asia assessed India?s nuclear capabilities and intentions and U.S. options for influencing India on the issue.
Source: Washington National Records Center, OSD Files: FRC 77?0094, India, 1972. Secret; Sensitive; Eyes Only. The paper was circulated on September 26 to the CIA, the JCS, and the Departments of State, Defense, and the Treasury by Jeanne Davis, Staff Secretary of the NSC, under cover of a memorandum indicating that the paper would be considered by the Senior Review Group at a time to be determined. Copies were also sent to the Atomic Energy Commission, and the Arms Control and Disarmament Agency. (Ibid) The paper was prepared by an ad hoc group representing State, Defense, CIA, AEC, and ACDA, headed by Sisco, as chairman of the NSC Interdepartmental Group for Near East and South Asia. The annexes cited in the paper were attached but are not published. The footnotes in the paper occur in the source text. For NSSM 156, see Document 275.
Nixon approved Kissinger?s recommendation that he defer a decision on a Pakistani request for the release of a limited amount of military equipment owned by Pakistan but still in the U.S. as a result of the embargo on military shipments to India and Pakistan.
Source: Library of Congress, Manuscript Division, Kissinger Papers, Box CL 210, Geopolitical File, South Asia, Chronological File, July 1972?Oct 1974. Secret. Sent for action. A notation on the memorandum indicates the President saw it. A notation at the end of the memorandum indicates that Caspar Weinberger and William Timmons, the President?s Assistant for Congressional Relations, endorsed Kissinger?s recommendation. Nixon initialed his approval of the recommendation.
302. Telegram 7547 From the Embassy in Pakistan to the Department of State, September 8, 1972, 1314Z
Pakistani President Bhutto explained to Charg? Sober why Pakistan had not recognized Bangladesh by August as had been anticipated in the Simla agreement.
Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 628, Country Files, Middle East, Pakistan, Vol. X, Sept 72?Oct 73. Confidential; Exdis. Repeated to Dacca, London, New Delhi, USUN, Karachi, and Lahore.
303. Memorandum of Conversation, Washington, September 22, 1972, 4:20?4:55 p.m.
The President?s Assistant for National Security Affairs Kissinger and Indian Ambassador Jha agreed that it was time to begin taking measures to normalize relations between the U.S. and India but recognized that not much of consequence could be done until after the presidential election in November.
Source: Library of Congress, Manuscript Division, Kissinger Papers, Box CL 150, Geopolitical File, India, 21 May 1971?21 Dec 1972. Secret; Sensitive; Eyes Only. The conversation was held in Kissinger?s office in the White House. I. G. Patel was the Special Secretary of the Indian Ministry of Finance.
In a meeting with Indian Foreign Minister Singh at the UN, Secretary Rogers took sharp exception to allegations reportedly made by Prime Minister Gandhi that the CIA was interfering in India?s internal affairs.
Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Files 1970?73, POL 7 INDIA. Secret; Exdis. Also designated as Secto 70. Repeated to New Delhi, Islamabad, and Dacca. The allegations made by Indian Prime Minister Gandhi to which Rogers referred were reported on October 3 in telegram 1577 from Calcutta. In a speech before Congress Party workers, Gandhi stated that she had information that the CIA had become active in India and she asked party workers to be vigilant and counteract its activities. (Ibid., POL INDIA?US)
305. Telegram 8436 From the Embassy in Pakistan to the Department of State, October 12, 1972, 1229Z
Charg? Sober recommended approval of a Pakistani request for 400,000 tons of wheat under PL- 480 to offset the effects of a drought. Sober noted Pakistani President Bhutto?s urgent interest in the request.
Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Files 1970?73, AID (US) 15?8 PAK. Confidential; Exdis. Pakistan made the case for additional PL?480 supplies in an aide-m?moire submitted to the U.S. Embassy on October 3. According to the aide-m?moire, the wheat harvest in Pakistan had suffered from drought and unless the requested supplies were provided by the United States, the Government would be confronted with sharp rises in politically sensitive wheat prices. (Telegram 8317 from Islamabad, October 6; ibid.)
306. Telegram 8648 From the Embassy in Pakistan to the Department of State, October 23, 1972, 1053Z
Charg? Sober reported that Pakistani President Bhutto urgently repeated his request for 400,000 tons of PL?480 wheat.
Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Files 1970?73, AID (US) 15?8 PAK. Confidential; Immediate; Limdis. Repeated to Karachi and Lahore. Sent with instructions to pass to Agriculture, AID, the Treasury, and the White House.
307. Memorandum of Conversation, Washington, October 27, 1972, 12:00?12:45 p.m.
Deputy Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs Haig met with Pakistani Foreign Secretary Iftikhar Ali to discuss Pakistan?s intentions with regard to Bangladesh and the state of Pakistan?s relations with India. National Security Council staff member Harold Saunders, who attended the meeting, explained the basis for the pending U.S. response to Pakistan?s request for wheat.
Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 628, Country Files, Middle East, Pakistan, Vol. X, Sept 72?Oct 73. Secret. The memorandum bears Saunders? typed signature. The meeting was held in Haig?s office in the White House.
At Sisco?s request, Schneider listed U.S. programs in India that had been curtailed by the Indian Government since December 1971.
Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Files 1970?73, POL INDIA?US. Confidential. Drafted in NEA/INC by Donald W. Born. Sent through Armin H. Meyer, who was assigned to NEA as a special consultant after returning to the Department following 3 years as U.S. Ambassador to Japan. He had previously been Ambassador to Lebanon and Iran.
309. Telegram 13259 From the Embassy in India to the Department of State, November 3, 1972, 1335Z
The Embassy reported on continuing allegations of CIA activities in India.
Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Files 1970?73, POL INDIA?US. Confidential. Sent as a joint Embassy/USIS message. Repeated to Colombo, Dacca, Islamabad, Kathmandu, Moscow, Bombay, Calcutta, and Madras.
310. Telegram 201141 From the Department of State to the Embassy in India, November 4, 1972, 0022Z
The U.S. agreed to participate with the other members of the India Consortium in restructuring India?s foreign debt.
Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Files 1970?73, AID (US) 9 INDIA. Confidential; Immediate. Drafted on November 3 by Schneider; cleared in the Office of International Finance and Development of the Bureau of Economic and Business Affairs by John Gervers, and in the Office of Planning and Development of AID?s Bureau for Asia by Alfred D. White; and approved by Meyer.
In apparent response to what he found to be a disappointing decision by the U.S. on his request for PL?480 wheat, Pakistani President Bhutto decided to recognize the Governments of North Korea and North Vietnam, and was considering recognition of the Sihanouk Government in Cambodia. He also withdrew Pakistan from SEATO.
Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 628, Country Files, Middle East, Pakistan, Vol. X, Sept 72?Oct 73. Secret. Sent for action. Hoskinson initialed for Saunders. Telegram 9038 from Islamabad, November 8, reported that Pakistan had recognized North Korea and North Vietnam and was considering recognition of the Sihanouk Government in Cambodia. (Ibid.) Kissinger checked the approval line. A handwritten notation in the margin next to the approval line, in Richard Kennedy?s hand, reads: "Kennedy to call in Amb Khan per telcon with HAK 11/9/72."
312. Memorandum of Conversation, Washington, November 9, 1972, 4:30 p.m.
NSC staff members Kennedy and Saunders called in Pakistani Ambassador Khan to discuss Pakistan?s decision to recognize North Vietnam and North Korea. Kennedy said the decision came at a sensitive time in U.S. negotiations with North Vietnam and might create problems with the Congress in seeking support for renewed arms supplies for Pakistan. He asked that U.S. interests be taken into account in the decision to recognize the Sihanouk Government.
Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 628, Country Files, Middle East, Pakistan, Vol. X, Sept 72?Oct 73. Secret. Drafted by Saunders. The meeting was held in Kissinger?s office.
313. Telegram 207769 From the Department of State to the Embassy in India, November 15, 1972, 1609Z
Deputy Secretary Irwin and Indian Foreign Secretary-designate Kewal Singh discussed prospects for improved relations between the U.S. and India.
Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Files 1970?73, POL INDIA?US. Confidential. Drafted by Kux on November 13, cleared by Sisco, and approved by Irwin. Repeated to Islamabad, Dacca, USUN, Bonn, Kathmandu, and Colombo.
314. Letter From Indian Prime Minister Gandhi to President Nixon, New Delhi, November 28, 1972
Gandhi responded in kind to a letter from Nixon expressing his desire for improved relations.
Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 642, Country Files, Middle East, South Asia, Vol. IV. No classification marking. Gandhi sent Nixon a message of congratulations following his reelection. Nixon responded on November 19 with a letter to Gandhi in which he looked toward improved relations between the U.S. and India: "I hope our two countries can develop a sounder relationship based on understanding and respect for mutual interests." (Ibid., Box 755, Presidential Correspondence File, India (1972)) Gandhi?s letter of November 28 was delivered to the White House by the Indian Embassy on December 5. The text was transmitted to New Delhi on December 6 in telegram 220565. (Ibid., RG 59, Central Files 1970?73, POL INDIA?US)
Saunders assessed the state of relations between the U.S. and Pakistan.
Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 628, Country Files, Middle East, Pakistan, Vol. X, Sept 72?Oct 73. Secret. Sent for information. Kissinger highlighted the first of the paragraphs dealing with arms supply and underlined the first three sentences of the paragraph.
316. Memorandum of Conversation, Washington, November 29, 1972, 11:45 a.m.?12:10 p.m.
President?s Assistant for National Security Affairs Kissinger and Pakistani Ambassador Sultan Khan reviewed a number of issues bearing on relations between the United States and Pakistan.
Source: Library of Congress, Manuscript Division, Kissinger Papers, Box CL 202, Geopolitical File, Pakistan, 13 Sept 1971?7 Mar 1973. Confidential. The meeting was held in Kissinger?s office in the White House. Tabs A?C were attached but not published.
Guidance from the Department of State to the Embassies in Pakistan, India, and Bangladesh stipulated that negotiations relating to a peace settlement in South Asia should be left to the countries directly involved, without U.S. mediation.
Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Files 1970?73, POL INDIA?PAK. Confidential. Drafted by Laingen; cleared by Schneider and Meyer, and in IO/UNP by John Kimball; and approved by Sisco. Also sent to New Delhi and Dacca. Repeated to London, Kabul, Tehran, Ankara, Colombo, and USUN.
Saunders proposed responses to the issues that Pakistani Ambassador Khan had raised with Kissinger.
Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 628, Country Files, Middle East, Pakistan, Vol. X, Sept 72?Oct 73. Secret. Sent for action with Kennedy?s concurrence. Kissinger initialed his approval of each of Saunders? recommendations, with one exception. He did not respond to recommendation b of the second section relating to military supply. Approval of recommendation b for dealing with the issue of military supply was implied in Kissinger?s delegation to Saunders of the responsibility for providing a response to Khan on the issue and in the handwritten note Kissinger added in the margin in approving recommendation a: "But move fast & give Pakistan a break". As for the recommendation in section 4, Kissinger authorized a letter to be sent to Pakistani President Bhutto rather than an oral response. The memorandum did not have a section 5. In section 6, Kissinger approved of Saunders meeting with Ambassador Khan to discuss the issues dealt with in the memorandum. The draft letter at Tab A and the memorandum dealing with Pakistan?s request for landing rights at Tab B were attached but not published.
The Bureau of Near Eastern and South Asian Affairs concluded that a statement made in the Indian Parliament by Foreign Minister Singh constituted "a strong signal that India now desires better relations."
Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Files 1970?73, POL INDIA?US. Unclassified with confidential attachment. Deputy Executive Secretary Harry Barnes signed the transmittal memorandum for Eliot. Foreign Minister Singh made the statement on November 30 in the Rajya Sabha, the upper house of the Indian Parliament. The text of the statement was transmitted to the Department on December 1 in telegram 14364 from New Delhi. (Ibid.)
Cochran?s memorandum detailed what he described as Pakistan?s "growing nervousness" over the state of its relations with the United States.
Source: Department of State, NEA/PAB Files: Lot 76 D 52, PAK/Indian Negotiations July?Dec 1972. Confidential. Cleared by Meyer and sent through Laingen. The December 4 meeting between Rogers and Tridev Roy, head of Pakistan?s delegation to the UN General Assembly, was reported to Islamabad on December 5 in telegram 220229. (National Archives, RG 59, Central Files 1970?73, POL 7 PAK)
321. Telegram 9952 From the Embassy in Pakistan to the Department of State, December 12, 1972, 0600Z
Charg? Sober reported that Pakistan and India had reached agreement on delineation of the line of control in Jammu and Kashmir. He speculated that further progress on implementing the Simla accord could be anticipated and he recommended a congratulatory letter from President Nixon to Pakistani President Bhutto and Indian Prime Minister Gandhi.
Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Files 1970?73, POL 27 INDIA?PAK. Confidential; Priority; Exdis. Repeated to New Delhi. Agreement on delineation of the line of control in Jammu and Kashmir was announced in Pakistan on December 11. Mutual troop withdrawals to the border between the two countries were scheduled to begin the following day. (Telegram 9965 from Islamabad, December 12; ibid., POL 31?1 INDIA?PAK) The troop withdrawals were completed by December 20. (Telegram 10226 from Islamabad, December 21; ibid.)
Saunders and Hoskinson reviewed U.S. relations with India and Pakistan and proposed a scenario involving a gradual improvement of relations with India, based to some extent on economic assistance, and a positive response to Pakistan?s requests for economic assistance and limited military supplies. Kissinger approved and sent to the President the proposed memorandum dealing with military supplies for Pakistan but did not act on the larger proposed scenario.
Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 642, Country Files, Middle East, South Asia, Vol. IV (1972). Secret. Sent for action. The documents cited at Tabs A and C were attached but not published. Kissinger initialed the memorandum at Tab B and sent it to Nixon on December 23. (See Document 323) He apparently did not send to the President the memorandum attached at Tab A, which would have advanced the three phase proposals put forward by Saunders and Hoskinson.
Under Phase I, a., Kissinger put a check mark in the margin to indicate he wished to discuss the President?s letter to Jha. Under Phase I, b., Kissinger wrote "No" in the margin next to the suggestion that Connally should be sent back to India. Under the same heading, Kissinger asked in the margin about an informal agenda to be discussed with the Indians: "What?s the agenda[?]" And under Phase II, a., Kissinger wrote in the margin next to the first item: "What is that? Expand."
Kissinger reviewed for the President the options relating to the question of renewing the flow of military supplies to Pakistan. Nixon approved a recommendation calling a "clean-up exercise" involving the release to Pakistan and India of military supplies that were caught in the embargo imposed during the crisis.
Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 642, Country Files, Middle East, South Asia, Vol. IV. Secret. Sent for action. Drafted by Saunders and Hoskinson. Nixon initialed his approval of the recommendations. Kissinger then added a handwritten note for Saunders: "Hal?Do what is necessary."
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