The Road to Afghanistan - George Washington University

deal with Amin work? Where do the officers who were ‘purchased’ by Amin serve? Inwhich military detachments? And would those detachments support Amin if he attemptedto overthrow Taraki militarily? How would they act then? Which members of theRevolutionary Council and the Central Committee of the PDPA would support Amin in hisconflict with Taraki?”Gulabzoi was thinking. His dark eyes seemed to have darkened even more.“At this moment, I can provide you with only a few facts. However, I will be able togive you more information in a couple of days.”“Please make some brief notes in regards to these questions that are of interest tous,” said Starostin, and gave the minister a pen and a blank page from his notebook.He repeated the questions again. The guest noted them on the paper: “Who? Howmuch? Verbal discourse? Promises? Positions? Numbers? Members of the Rev. Council,Central Committee, etc.?”“I will collect the information that you request in the nearest future,” he promised,and put the piece of paper with the notes into his appointment book.“Could you write the information down in Dari? I would like to be able to present ascomprehensive and as detailed a report as possible to the Soviet authorities.”“I will do my best. However, I will have to ask others to assist me here.” Gulabzoiseemed to be calculating something in his head.“Are those people reliable? They will not tell Amin or anybody else about ourcontact?”“This is out of the question. They are absolutely reliable. They will not say a word toanybody.”482