360. Memorandum of a Conversation, Washington, July 17, 19591
Memorandum of Conversation between the Honorable Aziz Ahmed, Pakistan Ambassador to the United States, and the Secretary of Defense; also present were Mr. Robert H. Knight, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense (ISA) and Rear Admiral E.B. Grantham, Jr., USN, Director NESA, OASD/ISA.
After the usual exchange of amenities during which Mr. McElroy suggested that the Ambassador and the Begum might wish to visit Cincinnati at some future date with the McElroys, a general discussion of the political-military situation in Pakistan took place.
The Ambassador stated that President Ayub was gravely concerned over the development in the United States of a considerable body of opinion among some influential circles of the intelligentsia, some legislators, and to some degree the general public that Pakistan is supporting armed forces in excess of her needs at the expense of sorely needed economic development. The Ambassador went on to say that while his government and the better-informed Pakistani understood the motivation behind this position in some degree, it was nevertheless not understood by the ordinary Pakistani. He further stated that with the Indian Army maintaining a strength much greater than that of Pakistan and so disposed as to be able to mount an offensive against Pakistan in an estimated period of 10 days, it would be almost impossible to convince those Pakistanis living near the Indian border that any reduction in the strength of the Pakistan Army was a reasonable course of action. He said that it was even probable that if the Pakistan border garrisons were reduced significantly, there might develop a sudden flight of Pakistanis from the border area which could develop into panic proportions.
In this connection, the Ambassador pointed out that Pakistan had not received from the United States, either privately or publicly, any assurances quaranteeing her territorial integrity. He found this in sharp contrast to public guarantees to this effect given to India.
The Ambassador dwelt at considerable length upon the fact that it is very difficult for the ordinary Pakistani to understand why the Press of the United States reflects opinions highly critical of Pakistan’s efforts to achieve a reasonable degree of security against aggression while at the same time recording opinion that the way to Free World security in Asia lies in promoting the welfare of India through the granting of massive economic aid. He pointed out that the economic [Page 742] aid currently furnished to India gives her the capability of diverting large amounts of money for the support and buildup of armed forces already vastly superior to those of Pakistan.
Throughout his conversation the Ambassador reaffirmed the staunchness of his country’s support of the Western concept of collective security and the earnest desire of his government to reach a fundamental agreement with India which would permit them jointly to channel their military energies toward facing the common enemy to the North.
Just prior to departure, the Ambassador expressed the desire to further pursue the objectives of his conversation in whatever way he could usefully do so and said that he would await any advice Mr. McElroy might see fit to give him.
Mr. McElroy expressed an understanding of Pakistan’s problem and pointed out that the earnest hope of the United States was that a rapprochement between Pakistan and India could be achieved since it is a matter of such great importance to the Free World. He further expressed the hope that a solution to the Indus waters dispute would be forthcoming in the near future as a concrete and very important step toward such a rapprochement.
During the course of the conversation, the Secretary explained the general character of press reporting and the probable motivation for some statements made by legislators and other prominent personages. He recognized that some of these reports and statements might be of a character to give the Pakistan Government cause for concern. The Ambassador indicated that he understood the situation but was anxious to dispel any cause for misunderstanding.
Mr. McElroy stated that the strength of the armed forces of Pakistan, which we consider necessary for the collective security of the Free World, is a matter requiring the judgment of military experts. He indicated that he would bring this matter to the attention of General Twining upon his return to duty on Monday, 20 July, and that after consultation with General Twining he would decide whether it might be useful to have a re-assessment made of the military needs of Pakistan through negotiations between United States and Pakistan military experts.
Mr. McElroy explained that he thought a firm understanding should be had on all sides as to what the position is with regard to the strength of Pakistan’s armed forces. He recognized the possibility that [Page 743] any joint Pakistan-United States consideration of this question might not result in complete agreement but he thought it important that the exact position of each side be well understood.