689.90D/10–252: Telegram
The Ambassador in India ( Bowles ) to the Department of State 1
1406. During two-hour session this morning, PM himself brought up sitn in Afghanistan and expressed grave concern over recent developments. Nehru stated free Afghan clearly and traditionally essential security India and Russian demands Afghan deeply concerned him.
Nehru stated curious know why Sov Union had suddenly taken this position and he doubted they wld have gone so far unless they intended bring at least severe econ pressure bear on Afghanistan to break their resistance.
Nehru pointed out Afghanistan peculiarly vulnerable econ pressure brought by Sov at this time because of what he described as “Pak blockade” Afghan. Nehru urged US bring all possible influence bear on Pak to facilitate free transport into Afghan and assist every practical way strength their position vis-à-vis Sov Union.
Stated it most unfortunate question of Pushtoon tribesmen cld not be settled or at least temporarily eased encourage more favorable action part GOP.
Nehru suggested possibility comm might be set up to study Pushtoon problem and make recommendations to two govts and that perhaps on basis such action Pak cld be induced give Afghan support that may be so essential during next few months. Of course, it wld be mistake any discussion with Pak to touch on Nehru’s views.
Wld appreciate reaction Dept and Emb Kabul and Karachi of Nehru’s remarks and suggestions on anything we can do here.
- This telegram was repeated for information to Kabul, Karachi, and London.↩