SECRET
Cypher/Cat A
PRIORITY RAWALPINDI TO COMMONWEALTH OFFICE
Tel. No. 690
1 July, 1967
!
293
SECRET
(292)
292) Your telegram No. 778: Hong Kong.
I have doubts whether the Pakistanis would in fact be prepared to intercede with the Chinese at Head of Government or any other level. They would probably argue that their relationship with the Chinese would be prejudiced by using it on behalf of a third party and that in any case it would be quite impossible for them to talk to the Chinese about a "Colonial" issue on behalf of an "Imperial" Power.
2. I can nevertheless see some advantage in putting to the test the Pakistan Government's professed devotion to the cause of world peace and the settlement of disputes by peaceful means and their willingness to use their special relationship with China towards these ends. Of course if by any chance we succeeded in persuading the Pakistanis to approach the Chinese we would be encouraging their special relationship with China: a relationship of which we have in the past been at pains to emphasize the dangers. In the even more unlikely event of a Pakistani approach to the Chinese being successful, by putting Pakistan in China's debt on our behalf we should have made their relationship even closer. Moreover, whether a Pakistani approach were successful or not, we should be running a risk of damaging our relationship with the Indians.
3. If however you decide that an approach should be made to the Pakistanis, this could I think best be done by my talking to President Ayub. I am seeking an interview with him before I go on leave on 21 July and if he agrees to see me this would be an opportunity to raise the matter. I should of course need detailed guidance on the points to be put to him.
Sir C. Pickard
DEPARTMENTAL DISTRIBUTION
C.O. S.A.D.
Sent 0830Z/1 July Recd. 0900Z/1 July
D.T.D.
F.O. F.E.D.
XXXXX
RE
SECRET
...
292
ва