ISLAMABAD, Pakistan, Sept. 5—The frigid diplomatic gap that has existed since March between Pakistan and the United States has been marginally reduced in the last few weeks, mainly because fear is impelling the two nations together.

Both sides have made concessions, and the climate of confrontations, suspicion and hostility has been reduced to point at which some cooperation, if not friendship, is possible.

For the United States, the main fear is that an isolated Pakistan at bay 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 major preoccupation of Washington.

Any move on Pakistan's part toward reducing tension with India is regarded by the United States as a friendly concession.

For Pakistan, the main fear is that of going broke.

The subject of a possible war with India is rarely discussed by Pakistan's leaders, although President Agha Mohammad Yahya Khan has said repeatedly that he wants to avoid it if he can. Many Pakistani super‐patriots say they would welcome a jihad (holy war) that would afford the opportunity to finish off Hindu India once and for all.

Treasury Hard Hit

On the other hand, heavy military spending in strife-torn East Pakistan since March, a sagging economy and suspension of foreign‐development aid have bitten deeply into the Pakistani treasury's resources.

Pakistan's leaders have stridently rejected aid with strings attached, “economic imperialism” and pressure. But they have quietly made it known that, should Washington avoid the harsh public criticism of Pakistan that has been used by Britain and other nations, modus vivendi could be worked out.

As a result, the United States has continued relief aid to Pakistan as well as the shipment of military spare parts, the latter incurring the bitter enmity of both India and Bengali nationalists fighting Pakistani military forces in East Pakistan.

Washington has provided no new development‐aid to Pakistan since March, but the pipeline is by no means dry. Official American comments on the subject have been couched in language ambiguous enough to enable Pakistani newspapers to carry such headlines as: “U.S. Aid Not Suspended.”

United States aid to Pakistan since the mid‐nineteen‐fifties has exceeded $4‐billion, and Pakistan ranks with South Vietnam and India as one of the main beneficiaries of American assistance. It is inconceivable to some Pakistanis that this situation could end.

Pakistan Leaders Worried

But developments in the United States Congress, especially last month when the House of Representatives cut aid to Pakistan out of the foreign aid bill, have worried Pakistani leaders. Among actions they have taken in apparent response that have pleased American officials are these:

Pakistan has agreed to allow the United Nations to send in 38 officials who will act to some extent as observers in East Pakistan. This is a major concession in Pakistani eyes.

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 that crews be 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 United States officials to head food relief and refugee assistance programs in East Pakistan. Previously, Pakistan had insisted that all foreign assistance be exclusively administered by Pakistanis.

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

In a concession involving one of the most emotionally charged issues, Pakistan has relieved Lieut. Gen. Tikka Khan from his posts as Governor and Martial Law Administrator of East Pakistan and has named a civilian as the new governor. His enemies have accused General Tikka of genocide.

Pakistan has eased her censorship of the local press and has announced that she will permit limited public political debate, provided it does not involve criticism of 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 her 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.

Decision Due on Aid

A permanent cut in aid by the United States probably would halt the current Pakistani‐American thaw instantly. An American decision on this is likely soon.

When the Pakistani Army moved against the Bengali separatists in East Pakistan on March 25, almost all the Americans stationed there were appalled by the tactics used. Many said they were eyewitnesses to scenes of summary execution and the slaughter of civilians in bazaars; still others lost close Bengali friends in the general violence.

“As guests at the symbolic Pakistani table we probably sit well below the salt already,” an American said. “Britain and some others might actually be asked to leave the party soon. In the interest of world peace, we've got to try to keep some kind of seat at the table, even if it means eating some crow.”