780.5/1–1653: Telegram
No. 115
The Secretary of
State to the Embassy in
India1
2031. Ind Amb discussed Pak association with MEDO with Secy2 pointing out if this happened it wld be seized upon by various antagonistic elements in India who wld use it attack both Ind Govt and US. He felt this wld in large measure destroy work of Amer Amb and himself in cementing Indo-Amer friendship.
Amb was told Pak had not been approached on question, that question ME defense org still very much in discussion stage, that what was originally thought of as command structure now being discussed as planning operation and that views had been put forward as to possible contribution to such planning Pak might make with other views of concern being expressed about effect on India. Point was made that ME was without defense and there shld be some defense planning; that difficulties stood in way such as Egyptian situation and Arab-Israel relations. It was hoped planning for ME cld go forward without further increasing complications.
Amb referred to stories in press re discussion this problem in Paris and this was denied. Amb also referred to press report that question being discussed in London and he as informed Dept did not know of such discussions.