A report from the Hungarian Embassy in India explaining that in the view of the Indian government, the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan threatens regional stability as it could invite American and/or Chinese intervention.
February 16, 1980
Ciphered Telegram No. 43, Embassy of Hungary in India to the Hungarian Foreign Ministry
This document was made possible with support from Carnegie Corporation of New York (CCNY)
According to the evaluation of Deputy [Foreign] Minister Krishnan, Gromyko's visit, despite the fact that there were, and have remained, differences of opinion, might be regarded as useful and successful. Indian-Soviet relations are not based on a short-term, momentary assessment but on a solid foundation, and they guarantee the long-term cooperation of the two countries.
During the current discussions, both sides expressed their views on the situation that had arisen in the region. The difference [between their views] lays in that India considers the presence of Soviet troops in Afghanistan [a phenomenon] that might serve as a pretext for American-Chinese intervention by means of Pakistan. This would create a permanent source of danger in the region. It is India's foremost interest to reduce tension in the region. This is why it is of the opinion that the troops should be withdrawn.
He stressed that the local newspapers did not depict the negotiations in a sufficiently objective way.
– 43 – V. –
During the current discussions, both sides expressed their views on the situation that had arisen in the region. The difference [between their views] lays in that India considers the presence of Soviet troops in Afghanistan [a phenomenon] that might serve as a pretext for American-Chinese intervention by means of Pakistan. This would create a permanent source of danger in the region. It is India's foremost interest to reduce tension in the region. This is why it is of the opinion that the troops should be withdrawn.
He stressed that the local newspapers did not depict the negotiations in a sufficiently objective way.
– 43 – V. –
A report from the Hungarian Embassy in India explaining that in the view of the Indian government, the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan threatens regional stability as it could invite American and/or Chinese intervention.
Author(s):
Associated Topics
Associated Places
Related Documents
Document Information
Source
Hungarian National Archives (Magyar Országos Levéltár, MOL). XIX-J-1-j Soviet Union, 1980, 126. doboz, 145-135, 001329/1/1980. Obtained and translated for NPIHP by Balazs Szalontai.
Original Archive
Rights
The History and Public Policy Program welcomes reuse of Digital Archive materials for research and educational purposes. Some documents may be subject to copyright, which is retained by the rights holders in accordance with US and international copyright laws. When possible, rights holders have been contacted for permission to reproduce their materials.
To enquire about this document's rights status or request permission for commercial use, please contact the History and Public Policy Program at HAPP@wilsoncenter.org.
Original Uploaded Date
2011-11-20
Type
Telegram
Language
Record ID
112882