CONFIDENITAL
SECRETARY OF STATE'S MEETING WITH HIGH COMMISSIONERS, 5pm,
21 NOVEMBER
1984
DEFENSIVE BRIEF: AFGHANISTAN
ESSENTIAL FACTS
UNGA
1.
Resolution co-sponsored by Pakistan and 45 other states.
Like previous resolutions, calls for immediate withdrawal of foreign
troops, right of Afghan people to choose their own government,
preservation of Afghanistan's independence and non-aligned status, and return of refugees in safety and honour. This year's majority of 99 (119-20-14) improves on last year's record of 116-20-17.
Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) 1983
2.
Commonwealth Heads of Government in New Delhi in 1983 expressed
grave concern at situation in and around Afghanistan and called for
urgent search for negotiated political settlement which would take
into account demands of the successive UNGA resolutions.
UN Initiative
3.
Unless the Russians show willingness on troop withdrawal
issue, Perez de Cuellar will find it increasingly difficult to prevent process collapsing. Further round in Geneva in February.
Situation in Afghanistan/Attacks on Pakistan
4.
About 114,000 Soviet troops in Afghanistan. Following seventh Karmal regime/Soviet offensive against strategic Panjshir Valley in
the spring, military action has continued unabated. Resistance
recently more active in Kabul; repeated rocket attacks. Bombing and
artillery attacks on Pakistani territory from within Afghanistan
continue to put pressure on Pakistan and harass resistance supply lines.
Rykov/Khlan
5.
Rykov and Khlan deserted from Soviet units in Afghanistan.
Were admitted to UK in June on humanitarian basis under private sponsorship arrangements (Lord Bethell). Under UK laws, free to leave
whenever they wished. Did so on 11 November after it had been
established at Home Office interview that they wished to return to
Soviet Union of own free will.