July 19, 1979
Boris Ponomarev, Reports from Kabul (excerpts)
Report From Kabul (Secret. Urgent)
. . . Taraki, and Amin as well, repeatedly returned to the issue of the widening of the Soviet military presence in the country. They put forth the issue of introducing approximately two [Soviet] divisions to the DRA in the event of emergency circumstances "at the request of the legal government of Afghanistan."
In regard to this pronouncement of the Afghan leadership it was declared that the Soviet Union cannot do that.
Ponomarev
7.19.1979
* * * * *
Report From Kabul (Secret. Urgent)
On July 19 a second meeting with N.M. Taraki took place . . . Taraki once again returned to the issue of the strengthening of military support from the side of the Soviet Union, saying in that regard that in the event of the outbreak of an emergency situation the landing of a parachute division could play a decisive role in crushing the manifestation of counter-revolutionary forces.
In response, our position was put forth once again, emphasizing that the Soviet Union cannot take such measures.
Ponomarev
7.20.1979
. . . Taraki, and Amin as well, repeatedly returned to the issue of the widening of the Soviet military presence in the country. They put forth the issue of introducing approximately two [Soviet] divisions to the DRA in the event of emergency circumstances "at the request of the legal government of Afghanistan."
In regard to this pronouncement of the Afghan leadership it was declared that the Soviet Union cannot do that.
Ponomarev
7.19.1979
* * * * *
Report From Kabul (Secret. Urgent)
On July 19 a second meeting with N.M. Taraki took place . . . Taraki once again returned to the issue of the strengthening of military support from the side of the Soviet Union, saying in that regard that in the event of the outbreak of an emergency situation the landing of a parachute division could play a decisive role in crushing the manifestation of counter-revolutionary forces.
In response, our position was put forth once again, emphasizing that the Soviet Union cannot take such measures.
Ponomarev
7.20.1979
Boris Ponomarev, Reports from Kabul (excerpts) discussing Taraki’s desire to have increased military support from the Soviet Union in the form of the presence of troops
Author(s):
Associated Topics
Associated Places
Subjects Discussed
Document Contributors
Document Information
Source
A. A. Lyakhovskiy, The Tragedy and Valour of the Afghani (Moscow: GPI "Iskon", 1995), p. 87
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.