Office of the Historian

NEA Files: Lot 55–D36

Statement by the United States and the United Kingdom Groups

top secret
[Washington, undated.]

The Problem

Political, Strategic, and Economic Questions Relating to Afghanistan.

discussion

1.
It was recognized by both groups that Afghanistan was of strategic importance because of its position on the flank of Iran and athwart the approach to India from the northwest. At the same time it was noted that in view of the geographical situation of Afghanistan the loss of Afghan political independence and territorial integrity, while fraught with serious consequences, would not in present world conditions be likely to menace the security of the Middle East to the extent of similar losses on the part of Iran, Greece, or Turkey. A determined effort should be made in the framework of the United Nations to assist Afghanistan in resisting direct or indirect aggression.
2.
In the past, the financing of arms supplied to Afghanistan and of subsidies to the tribes of the Northwest Frontier was effected through the Government of India. In order to maintain the stability of the area, and of Afghanistan in particular, and taking into consideration recent Communist activity among the tribes, it is important that these subsidies should be continued. The British Government hopes that responsibility therefor will be assumed, at least in part, by the Dominions of India and Pakistan.
3.
The British group made it clear that American assistance in the economic development of Afghanistan was welcomed by the British Government.
4.
Reference was made to evidence of an apparent lack of full consultation and cooperation between the American and British Legations in Kabul, and both groups undertook to take action in order to assure appropriate cooperation in the future.
5.
The American group made mention of approaches which had been made to it by both the Iranian and Afghan Governments regarding the Helmand River question, and said that informal discussion between the Iranians and Afghans had been initiated in Washington at the suggestion of the American Government and that the British Government would be kept currently advised of developments in that regard.

conclusions

1.
In view of the geographical situation of Afghanistan which is on the flank of Iran and athwart the route into India from the northwest, Afghanistan occupies a position of strategic importance not, however, comparable, under existing circumstances, with that of Iran, Turkey, and Greece. This importance should be taken into account in the event that United Nations assistance should be invoked in an emergency affecting Afghanistan. A determined effort should be made in the framework of the United Nations to assist Afghanistan in resisting direct or indirect aggression. It is possible that circumstances might so develop that the strategic importance of Afghanistan might be considerably increased.
2.
Arms and training facilities required by the Afghans should, insofar as possible, continue to be supplied by the United Kingdom, and by the Dominions of India and Pakistan.
3.
In the interest of internal security in Afghanistan, as well as in Pakistan, it is important that consideration should be given to the continuance of subsidies to the Northwest Frontier tribes.
4.
The influence of both the British and American Governments should be used in an appropriate manner for the purpose of furthering a peaceful settlement of existing tension between Afghanistan and Pakistan over the question of the status of the peoples of the Northwest Frontier.
5.
The United States Government will continue to use its informal good offices with a view to facilitating agreement between the Iranian and Afghan Governments on the Helmand River question, and will keep the British Government currently informed.
6.
The British Government welcomes economic assistance to Afghanistan by the United States Government or by private American enterprise.
7.
Both Governments will instruct their respective missions in Kabul to cooperate fully with one another.