THE SECRETARY OF STATE

WASHINGTON

TELEGRAM # 170588

SECRET

DATE: October 13,1970

MEMORANDUM FOR THE PRESIDENT

Sub: Military Sales Offer to Pakistan

As you may recall, Ambassador Farland on June 20 conveyed informally to President Yahya your decision to sell some military aircraft and armored personnel carriers to Pakistan as a one-time exception to our arms embargo. We have now completed the necessary follow-up steps including briefing the Congress in detail and informing the Indians in general terms.

Reactions to the Decision

Congressional reaction has been restrained, although some further Congressional interest may be generated by critical press commentary here and in India and by the visit of an Indian Parliamentary delegation to Washington from October 12-17. On the Indian side there has been an anticipatedly sharp reaction. Indian officials have formally protested our decision strongly and we can expect further criticism when the Indian Parliament reconvenes in mid-November. We have also told the Pakistanis we are now ready to move ahead with the sales offer and they have been understandably pleased. The Pakistan press has played the story generally straight, under low-key guidance from the Foreign Office, and has refrained from editorializing.

William P. Rogers

Source: The American Papers- Secret and Confidential India.Pakistan.Bangladesh Documents 1965-1973, The University Press Limited, p.429