Conference files, lot 59 D 95, CF 156
No. 45
Memorandum of Conversation, by Lieutenant
Colonel Stephen J. Meade1
ST D–9/3
Subject:
- Pakistan
Participants:
- United States
- Lt. Col. Stephen J. Meade
- Pakistan
- Governor General
- Ghulam Mohammed
At approximately 11:30 hours I was summoned by the Governor General to come to his Residence at once. Upon arriving I found that the urgency indicated was more of a personal nature, in that he had just learned that morning that I was a member of the Secretary’s party, and since we were “old friends” he wanted to take this opportunity to sit down and have a talk with me. Although the general tone of the conversation was personal in nature, the following salient points are worthy of note:
The GG expressed the same interest in obtaining economic aid that he had discussed with me during my visit in April this year, which I reported by cable requesting that such information be passed to State. He is anxious to obtain a loan of one hundred million dollars to help them get through the current economic crisis, such money to be used for rehabilitation, and advancement of economic projects in the country. (This is in addition to the request for the million tons of wheat.) He said that he does not desire this money in the form of a grant, but rather as a loan “from one friend to one that is in an unhappy economic circumstances for the moment.” He feels that this can be repaid in approximately five years.
Regarding military aid, he is primarily interested in the acquisition of heavy artillery (by this I presume he means 155 MM and perhaps 8 inch), the establishment of maintenance services for aircraft, tanks and other items of general ordnance. At this juncture he said he knew what the reaction would be to such a request on the part of the American public, that they would have the suspicion that such equipment would be used against India. Again, as he has many times in the past, he promised that such military aid would not be used against India; further, that his Government [Page 131] would be willing to sign an agreement that Pakistan will go to the aid of India should that country be attacked.
The GG expressed the desire for liberty ships and tankers, the number of 20 being mentioned, which I presume would be total for both. In this connection, he expressed his concern about having little over 1 Division of troops in East Pakistan without logistical means of transporting elsewhere in the event of an emergency, India not permitting their passage through that country.
Regarding the settlement of the Kashmir dispute, the GG emphasized that we should display a continued and strong interest in the settlement in this question vis-à-vis Nehru; that such a display of interest on our part which to date has not been in evidence would, in his opinion, spur Nehru toward arbitration. As the situation now stands it is to India’s advantage to delay a settlement, as it is only Pakistan which is suffering from the situation.
He again expressed his desire to visit the United States in August for a period of one week or ten days in Boston for a medical checkup followed by an “informal visit to Washington to visit some friends”. (This I reported during my visit to Karachi in April.) He said that all he needed was some sort of an invitation from us. (I have taken this up with Mr. Byroade, and mentioned it to General Smith, who instructed me to tell the GG that he would be delighted to see him and have a small informal luncheon for him in Washington when he comes.)
He reiterated his firm stand against any form of Islamic Constitution and his desire to curb the Mullahs and their fanatical activities. He realizes that this is a thing of the past and that the country must turn toward the West, particularly the United States, with greater moderation regarding religion in Pakistan.
- This conversation took place at the residence of Lieutenant Colonel Meade.↩