Memorandum of Conversation between the

Czechoslovak Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Dusan Spacil and Soviet Ambassador Novikov (written by Spacil), 12 September 1978

[Source: Central State Archive, Archive of the CC CPCZ, file Husak, unsorted materials, box Afghanistan. Provided by Oldrich Tuma and translated by Francis Raska.]

On 11 September 1978, I informed Comrade Novikov, who monitors problems among diplomats, at a gathering at the Chinese Embassy of the situation that resulted on account of the recalling of the Afghan ambassador [former People's Democratic Party of Afghanistan (PDPA) leader] Babrak Karmal. Comrade Novikov then had a long discussion with Karmal and his report is as follows:

Karmal had requested an audience with Comrade Mackevitch in order to resolve his personal situation. Comrade Novikov replied that Mackevitch was terribly busy and that he (Novikov) would be of assistance. Karmal said that he was at a loss as to what to do. The Afghan leadership had recalled him from the post of ambassador. He cannot return to Afghanistan because he would be arrested, perhaps even executed. He also does not wish to return to Afghanistan because his return as well as that of other [PDPA faction] Parcham comrades scattered throughout the world could result in great social disturbances and an eventual uprising against [PDPA Khalq faction leader and Afghan President and Prime Minister Nur Mohammad] Taraki, who is losing the support of the people. Under no circumstances does Karmal wish to leave Czechoslovakia for some capitalist country because that would be used by imperialist countries against the Revolution in Afghanistan. At the same time, he is aware that he cannot remain in Czechoslovakia. Not long ago, a relative, also a Parchamist and a leading Party member who had served as ambassador to Pakistan, contacted Karmal and informed him of his request for asylum in Yugoslavia. Karmal considers even this solution to be problematic. Therefore, he had sent forth his request for assistance to Novikov and he is waiting for a recommendation from his "older brother" as to what to do. Comrade Novikov informed me that he would immediately pass on this information to Moscow. I told Comrade Novikov that our Communist Party representative had already informed Moscow about the situation and looked forward to the disclosure of Moscow's posi

tion.

Comment:

The head of the diplomatic protocol, Comrade Tucek, spoke with Karmal that very day and stated that, according to Kabul, Karmal is no longer the ambassador. Despite this, Karmal showed up at a cocktail party hosted by the Chinese

ambassador. It remains unclear whether he came in order to meet someone or whether he is not considering departing for China.

Minutes from Conversation between Former Afghan Ambassador to Czechoslovakia, Babrak Karmal, and the Head of the Diplomatic Protocol Tucek, 12 September 1978

[Source: Central State Archive, Archive of the CC CPCZ, file Husak, unsorted materials, box Afghanistan. Provided by Oldrich Tuma and Translated by Francis Raska.]

Babrak Karmal visited the head of the diplomatic protocol on 11 September at 3 p.m. He introduced the discussion. by stating that he had been informed that his diplomatic activities in Czechoslovakia were at an end. The head of the diplomatic protocol replied that the Foreign Ministry had learned news to this effect through the Czechoslovak Embassy in Kabul.

Karmal said that he realized that, officially, his function in Czechoslovakia was over, but that as a member of his Party's leadership, he would like to meet with [Communist Party of Czechoslovakia chief ideologist] Comrade Bilak and inform him of the situation in his country as well as his own situation. Karmal also declared that he would not return to his homeland under the present circumstances, but that he had no desire to move to any capitalist country. He stated his intention to ask for political asylum in Czechoslovakia.

When Karmal asked what his status in Czechoslovakia was after he ceased to be the ambassador, the head of the diplomatic protocol replied that as an Afghan citizen, he was under the care and protection of the Afghan Embassy.

Visit the Afghan representative and inform him that Babrak Karmal was accepted in Czechoslovakia as the ambassador of a friendly country. While in office, Karmal asked for permission to undergo treatment. This request was granted and treatment was administered. It became evident that Karmal suffers from heart problems, which require longterm treatment. After the Afghan government's decision to recall Karmal, he asked that his treatment be continued. In consideration of his poor health, we could not refuse Karmal's request. He stated later that he could not return to Afghanistan. He has not requested asylum. He is in Czechoslovakia for necessary treatment. We believe that a stay for treatment in a socialist country is more appropriate than in a Western or other country because his activities can be better controlled.

I was received today, 4 October, by the General Secretary of the Central Committee of the People's Democratic Party [PDPA], Nur Mohammad Taraki, whom I informed of the contents of the dispatch mentioned above. He listened to the information attentively and calmly. He said that Karmal's illness was fictitious and that he should be returned as a warrant had been issued for his arrest.

Taraki said in a somewhat unpleasant tone that Czechoslovakia is an independent country, which can act on the basis of its own judgment. He added that he had expected a different reply. Finally, Taraki requested that we convey the information in writing to Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Hafizullah Amin.

In case you concur that we should indeed make this confirmation, send the text in English.

In contrast to previous times, the parting of ways was

[Source: Diplomatic Archive, Sofia, Opis 35, File 335. Obtained by Jordan Baev and ranslated by Kalina Bratanova and Baev.]

On 4-7 December [1978], an Afghan Party and State delegation, headed by Nur Mohammed Taraki visited the Soviet Union.

The delegation included many of the members of the [PDPA] Politburo of the Central Committee-Hafizullah Amin, Shah Wali, and Comrade Suma, the ministers of industry, agriculture, energy and communications, deputy-ministers of commerce, culture and housing.

At the request of Nur Mohammad Taraki, the delegation visited only Moscow.

Top-level talks were held at two of the meetings. The Soviet Party was represented by comrades [CPSU General Secretary Leonid] Brezhnev, [Soviet Premier Aleksey N.] Kosygin, [Foreign Minister Andrei A.] Gromyko, [CC Secretary Boris] Ponomarev.

Twenty-four meetings took place between the Afghan delegation and the top-level Soviet party and state leaders. Hafizullah Amin met the following comrades: Kosygin, Gromyko, [KGB Chief Yuri] Andropov, [Soviet Chief of Staff] Marshal [Nikolai] Ogarkov and [Minister of Defense Marshal Sergei] Solokov.

Soviet delegation:

"The coming to power of the People's Democratic Party of Afghanistan, [...] is an event of historical importance for Afghanistan. We are sincerely happy that the Afghan people have succeeded in defending the revolution and the revolutionary achievements from all internal and international predators within such a short period." Comrade Brezhnev pointed out that the relations between the Soviet Union and the Democratic Republic of Afghanistan were assuming a completely different nature. These relations are now based on class belonging; they are imbued with the spirit of friendship and revolutionary solidarity.

Comrade Brezhnev assured Taraki and all delegation members of the assistance and support they can firmly rely on; all activity towards the revolutionary transformation of the Afghan society will be backed up.

Cde. Taraki pointed out that the Afghan Party attached prime importance to their visit to the Soviet Union. All talks and meetings will contribute to the strengthening of the revolutionary regime in Afghanistan; they will enhance the support from within the country and abroad.

In its domestic policy PDPA has adopted a program of radical revolutionary socio-economic reforms to the benefit of the working class; these reforms will help abolish any remains of feudalism and semi-feudal social relations; they will provide for the non-capitalist development of the Democratic Republic of Afghanistan and the building up of a society free from exploitation, based upon the progressive ideology of the working class and scientifically-grounded socialism.

Taraki emphasized the following about foreign policy: "The Democratic Republic of Afghanistan has been conducting a policy targeted at strengthening the brotherly relations with the socialist countries; this policy is also aimed at nonalignment as a form of struggle against imperialism and colonialism, protecting world peace, favoring détente and disarmament, and providing support for the national liberation movements.

A joint communiqué emphasizes the policies adopted by the Democratic Republic of Afghanistan; this policy was outlined in Taraki's speech at the dinner given by the CC [Central Committee] of the CPSU, the Supreme Council of the USSR and the Soviet government.

An important result of the visit of the Afghan Party and State delegation to the Soviet Union was signing the Treaty on the establishment of friendly relations and close cooperation between the two neighboring countries.

The latter was drawn up upon the Afghan Party's initiative.

Both parties pointed out that this treaty was of considerable political significance in terms of strengthening the relations between the two countries, and supporting peace and security throughout the world. This treaty enhances

Afghanistan's image and authority in international affairs; it guarantees its national independence, territorial integrity and security. This treaty will have an impact on all opponents of the revolutionary regime in Afghanistan and prevents their action towards undermining the revolutionary process. The documents agreed upon state the Democratic Republic of Afghanistan's initiative to join the movement of non-aligned countries at present, since the April Revolution the Democratic Republic of Afghanistan has adopted the correct stance on many of the movement's major issues. Together with the [Democratic People's] Republic of Korea, the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, and other progressive member-countries, the movement will contribute to the consolidation of the antiimperialist positions.

Taraki informed the Soviet comrades of the actions against Afghanistan launched from the territory of Pakistan. He pointed out that the two countries had different attitudes towards the Pushtuns and the Baluchis.

Soviet leaders Brezhnev and Kosygin stressed that it was inappropriate to take any measures. Such measures would provoke anti-revolutionary action by both internal reactionary forces and external enemies; thus the situation in the region will be complicated. The Soviet party shares the concern about the future of the Pushtuns and the Beluchis; it is of the opinion that only negotiations with the participation of these two groups can contribute to reaching a solution of the problem.

[...]

The Soviet leaders laid down their opinion of the necessity that the party's unity be strengthened and all progressive forces to take part in the revolutionary restructuring of Afghanistan.

They suggested that the USSR assume the responsibility to carry out many of the projects on Afghanistan's development. The projects, talks about which have already been held, are to become part of an agreement in the field of economics, science and technology. All newly proposed projects are to be a matter of further negotiations between the Soviet and Afghan ministers; following preliminary consultations, these must become an integral part of the agreement on economic cooperation.

The following was agreed upon: an increase in the oil supplies to the Democratic Republic of Afghanistan; setting up a link between the Soviet energy network and that of the Democratic Republic of Afghanistan; refurbishment and reconstruction of the oil-processing plant.

The establishment of a joint commission for economic cooperation on the level of ministers was agreed upon.

All Afghani members of the delegation made a statement about the successful visit. Useful and fruitful talks were conducted. The Soviet leaders, and comrade Brezhnev in particular, expressed their interest towards Afghanistan, their warm and cordial attitudes. Comrade Brezhnev drank to the health of Taraki, Amin, and other members of the Politburo of the PDPA Central Committee.

The major conclusion finally arrived at was that the April Revolution is a crucial historical moment for Afghanistan. Under PDPA's leadership, Afghanistan was to abolish the centuries-long backwardness in its development; its was to carry out deep social and economic reforms to bring feudal social order to an end; it was to start establishing a society free from any exploitation. Most views of contemporary foreign affairs issues were shared.

Hence there are sufficient grounds to claim that all necessary conditions to develop relations with the socialist countries, and coordinate all efforts in the struggle for peace, cooperation, détente, disarmament between the peoples in Asia and throughout the world, are present.

Upon the delegation's return from the Soviet Union, the politburo of the Central Committee of PDPA considered all results of the visit.

Taraki pointed out the attentiveness and interest by both the CC of the CPSU, and comrade Brezhnev in particular.

The visit and its results were highly appreciated. All members of the delegation, the Afghan State and Party functionaries were satisfied with these results.

Diplomatic Note of Afghan Embassy in Sofia, 13 March 1979

[Source: Diplomatic Archive, Sofia, opis 35, file 361, p. 58-60. Obtained by Jordan Baev and translated by Albena Stefanova and Baev.]

DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC

OF AFGHANISTAN EMBASSY SOFIA

13 March 1979

To the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of People's Republic of Bulgaria

The Embassy of D[emocratic] R[epublic of] Afghanistan in Sofia has the honor to inform about persons who are not returning to their homeland. They are dismissed from diplomatic work and by the government decision their diplomatic passports have to be considered as invalid. We are requesting any application for a visa from their part to be rejected. Furthermore we are requesting this decision of the Afghan government to be forwarded to all Bulgarian diplomatic missions abroad.

Please find next the list of mentioned above persons, which citizenship is rejected:

1. Dr. Mahamad Rahim Sherazui – former Ambassador in Czechoslovakia;

2. Hamidula Enayat Serdajh - former Ambassador in India;

3. Eng. Bashir Ahmad Ludin - former Ambassador in Federal Republic of Germany;

4. Dr. Abdul Vahed Karim - former Ambassador in Washington;

5. Abdulla Maliqiar - former Ambassador in Iran; 6. Mohhamad Jussuf Meherdal - former Ambassador in Saudi Arabia;

7. Babrak Karmal - former Ambassador in Czechoslovakia;

8. Nur Mohammad Nur- former Ambassador in the USA; 9. Dr. Anahita Rotebzad - former Ambassador in Yugoslavia;

10. Abdul Wakil - former Ambassador in London; 11. Mahmud Barakyal - former Ambassador in Pakistan; 12. Dr. Nadjib - former Ambassador in Iran;

13. Halilula Halili - former Ambassador in Iraq; 14. Zalmay Mahmud Gazi - former Ambassador in Egypt; 15. Mohammad Hakim Sarboland - former Consul General in Karachi;

16. Golam Faruk Torabaz - former Counselor in Washington;

17. Dr. Sadulla Gausi - former Counselor in Japan; 18. Poyanda Mohammad Kushani - former Counselor in India;

19. Mohhamad Faruk Farhang - former Counselor in Iran; 20. Mohammad Ali Amir - former Counselor in Federal Reublic of Germany;

21. Nazar Mohammad Azizi – former Counselor in Italy; 22. Valid Etemadi - former I Secretary in Paris;

23. Mohammad Atila Acefi - former I Secretary in Poland;

24. Mohammad Ali Suleyman - former II Secretary in the USA;

25. Mohhamad Omar Malequiar - former II Secretary in the USA;

26. Abdul Hadi Vaydi - former II Secretary in London; 27. Mohammad Akmal Rani - former II Secretary in Iran; 28. Ruhula Tarzi - former II Secretary in Pakistan; 29. Abdulla Bahar - former II Secretary in Czechoslovakia;

30. Abdulla Laamir - former III Secretary in Pakistan; 31. Mohammad Junus Farman - former attaché in Washington;

32. Homajunshah Acifi - former attaché in Federal Republic of Germany;

33. Enajatolla Madani - former attaché in India;

34. Dr. Nangjalay Tarzi - official of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Afghan Embassy in Sofia