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.

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.

During July and early August the Shah of Iran visits both Pakistan and Afghanistan in an effort at conciliation.

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.

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