Islamabad, Sept 6
The frigid diplomatic gap that has existed since March between Pakistan and the United States has been marginally reduced m the past few weeks. Both sides have made concessions and the climate is at a point at which some cooperation, if not friendship, is possible.

America's main fear is that an isolated Pakistan would probably be an especially warlike Pakistan. The danger of war between Pakistan and India, which could swiftly involve both the Soviet Union and China, is a serious preoccupation of Washington.

For Pakistan the main fear is economic. The country's leaders have stridently rejected aid with strings attached. But they have quietly made known that should Washington avoid the harsh public criticism of Pakistan that has been used by Britain and other nations, a modus vivendi could be worked out.

As a result. America has continued relief aid to Pakistan as well as the shipment of military spare parts. There has been no new development aid since March, but the pipeline is by no means dry.

Among Pakistan's actions that have especially pleased American officials are these: -

Pakistan has agreed to allow the United Nations to station 38 officials who will act to some extent as observers in East Pakistan.

Pakistan has agreed to accept the loan of coastal food relief vessels for use in East Pakistan sailing with mixed Pakistani and foreign crews. Previously Pakistan had insisted on the crews being entirely Pakistani, while aid-giving nations had wanted safeguards that the ships would not be used for military purposes.

Pakistan has accepted the appointment of a number of United Nations and American officials to lead food relief and refugee assistance programmes in East Pakistan.

Pakistan has opened rehabilitation centres in East Pakistan to help to induce refugees to come back from India, President Yahya has repeatedly announced that no reprisals will be carried out against any who return, including politicians. unless specific criminal charges are made against them.

Pakistan has relieved Lieutenant-General Tikka Khan of the posts of Governor and marital law administrator of East Pakistan and has named a civilian as Governor. His enemies have accused the general of “genocide”.

Pakistan has eased censorship of the press and has announced that it will permit limited public political debate, provided this does not involve criticism of the martial law authorities.

Perhaps most important of all, prominent Americans here say they are convinced now that Pakistan will never be the first to go to war.

As a bonus, the significance of which has yet to be assessed, Pakistan lent its good offices in July to secret arrangements leading to President Nixon's forthcoming trip to China. Pakistan would like to be able to count on the friendship of both China and the United States in the event of a war with India.

A permanent reduction in aid by the United States probably would halt the Pakistan-American thaw instantly. An American decision on this is likely soon.— New York Times News Service.