1962 in Afghanistan

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[edit] January 1962

On January 22, 1962 the United States announces that Afghanistan has agreed to open the border for eight weeks following January 29, 1962 in order to allow aid supplies to enter from Pakistan. Meanwhile the U.S. ambassador, Henry A. Byroade, continues efforts to open the border from Pakistan; the only alternative routes for aid supplies are from the north via Soviet rail connections, or through Iran at a cost of $70 per ton extra. In April the Afghan government signs an agreement with the Iranian government for use of the route through Iran.

The Iranian ambassador to Pakistan, Hassan Arafa, proposes that the best solution to Afghanistan's problems lies in the formation of an Iran-Afghan-Pakistan confederation. Kabul refuses to consider the proposal. During July and early August the shah of Iran visits both Pakistan and Afghanistan in an effort at conciliation.

[edit] April 1962

A second five-year plan is announced by Prime Minister Mohammad Daud, with a foreign-aid requirement of $734,000,000 for the expansion of mines, industries, agriculture, and communications. In June the U.S. expresses its unwillingness to make a firm commitment of funds over a five-year period. The Afghans also seek commitments from Japan, Italy, and Yugoslavia.

On April 9, 1962 A rural development project is begun at Ander, designed to improve farming, health, and schooling for about 100,000 people.