Thursday, June 2 2005 15:03 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

New Delhi: Expressing doubts over former Pakistan Foreign Minister Gohar Ayub Khan's claims that a senior Indian Army officer had sold 1965 war plans to his country, Defence Minister Pranab Mukherjee today (Jun 2, 2005) said the charge smacked of "some design" to vitiate the atmosphere between the two countries.

"What is the point in bringing this news item right now when 40 years have passed since 1965.... To some extent, there may be some design to vitiate the atmosphere," he told the 'Walk the Talk' programme on NDTV when asked whether he thought the claim was "motivated".

He said Khan's allegation has "not worried me, but it has made me a little angry on two counts. Firstly, why should I take what Field Marshal Ayub Khan or his son says about an Indian even if I assume that he (Gohar Ayub Khan) is quoting from his father's diary.

"Because this is highly improbable that a General will divulge secrets of military matters to his son who is not a military man," Mukherjee said.

The Defence Minister, however, said he was "not dismissing it as such" and had asked the Army authorities to probe the matter.

"I am highly doubtful that an Indian brigadier would sell the interest of the country for Rs 20,000," he added.