689.00/12–1652: Telegram

The Ambassador in Afghanistan ( Ward ) to the Department of State

secret

350. Ref second para Embtel 266 November 10 [13].1 FonMin today stated orally oil exploration in Trans Hindu Kush will not be resumed until matter has been discussed and approved by new Parliament in March or April. GOA will recommend resumption operations but undecided whether exploration shld be conducted by French or “some others, not Russians.”

De Laive, Dutch petroleum exploration expert with UNTAM, has been standing by awaiting resumption exploration but is now about depart for Europe and thence UN New York. De Laive alleges no early expectation resumption oil exploration. He states GOA has requested departure be as inconspicuous as practicable and that he give out departure not permanent but travel incidental to consultation.

Ward
  1. Ante, p. 1381.