Bangladesh - Bangladesh - Relief, Repatriation, and Aid

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S-0900-0007-02-00001

Expanded Number S-0900-0007-02-00001

ntie |tems-in-lndia/Pakistan/Bangladesh - Bangladesh - relief, repatriation, and aid

Date Created 29/03/1973

Record Type Archival Item

Container s-0900-0007: India/Pakistan/Bangladesh 1971-1977

Print Name of Person Submit Image Signature of Person Submit Note on Meeting held in Secretary-Generals's Office at 11.3Q a.m. on Saturday, 1 December 1973

Present: Ambassador Akhund Mr. Mehdi Secretary-General Mr. Urquhart

The oral message from the Prime Minister of Bangladesh, expressing his desire to hold talks with Pakistan before the repatriation process had been completed, was discussed. The Additional Foreign Secretary of Bangladesh, Mr. Fakhruddin Ahmed, is apparently still in New York and had intimated to the Permanent Representative of Pakistan that he was awaiting the reaction of Pakistan to this proposal. The Secretary-General pointed out that he had informed the Permanent Representative of Pakistan of this proposal and that this was all the Additional Foreign Secretary of Bangladesh had asked him to do. However, if the response of the Pakistan Government was forthcoming, he would be prepared to do whatever he could to encourage such talks,if necessary at United Nations Headquarters. UNITED NATIONS |^f| NATIONS UNIES

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My dear Prirae Ziinister,

• I have read with much interest your personal letter of 3 November 1973, which was handed to me by Mr. FaJoiruddin &hiaed when we raet on 7 November 1973. I appreciate greatly your expression of gratitude for the part played by the United nations in assisting in the repatriation operation following the Delhi Agreement. I was aware of the fact that there had been some difficulties in using fully the aircraft apace which is now available "but I hope that further progress will be made in the issuance of the necessary permits, thus enabling the available transport facilities to be used to greater advantage. Mr. Ahmed has also given me the rehabilitation scheme dated 3O October prepared by the Government of Bangladesh and this document will, of course., be very carefully studied by my staff. I have explained to Mr. Ahmed that the United. Nations will, continue to do its best to interest Member States in providing assistance to Bangladesh in dealing x^ith the problems of resettlement, following the repatriation operation, but 1 have also informed him of our increasing difficulties in mobilising financial support because there have been GO many man-made and natural disasters in recent months. Mr. Ahmed also conveyed to aae your verbal message about the timing of the further discussions between Bangladesh, India and Pakistan about the 195 prisoners- of-war, as is envisaged in the Delhi Agreement dated 28 August 1973.

His Excellency SheiKh Mujibur Rahman Prime Minister of Bangladesh UNITED NATIONS f||| NATIONS (J N I E S

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I have escplained to Mr. &hmed the fundamental difficulty* as I gee it, of resolving this problem — which could do so rauch to improve further political relationships on the subcontinent - and I earnestly hope that some formula stay be evolved which would facilitate these discussions. I have taken note of your view that it: is better that these discussions should take place "earlier11 rather than tfon cosrpletion of (the) repatriation" operation and. 1 have agreed to inform both the Governments of Pakistan and India accordingly. With warm personal regards, Yours sincerely,

Kurt Waldheiro "-.-•1 HovonAor,

Hy donr Sonrotary-Gonoral,

It-o PakhrurMjLn Ahmed, Additional Poroign Socrotiary, Utaiotry o:? Poro:lri Affnirri,, ::.a ^rnvoll to ITnvr Yorlc pornonally to app?:lr:o ~r.~\ o? Wo proto nnclo ^Irac ?nr Jji iiho ropTu7?ia^:lon of r.orrjo to tho Delhi Ara?oomsn'b,

An yon nro anaro, HannLaclonh Jim all oagor ';o onnwro JDolhl Agroonont end Tcr thin ~"trr^no p^rT anprsalci yon nnd to friendly cofirtoioa for aanictrnfir! ?n t r.attoE1 of trci

I rroulrl l:'l:o to oxprorDD o-. tlio contr:Uoutlon thrr/G yon ba~o r') yoiir appoala tovrardo arrnnging "^ra^ripor'^aticn fof purpono of ropatr:latioa0

In' tlio conrao of tho j?c7?.CT of '"ho proocno of repatriation, -uhich :lo norr roll fr.clor ra^,, iVi o that contain (lifflonloion PL?O "roir.g fncoclo -!?.o :"2- of Pakiatpnio to "ho ro77r.ot?in'!:o':l .-Trcn r?.nftlc..,

A p.loo avo.il nycolf or? •':'iir! f-pr,--:— iv.t- ' than1: you f-r tho otops talcon tr.rarc'.r; "~— ^-:;:--, anfr'ntv.icr: for •.rohab/'.litalj.ion of ^orno-i" ;;n -•."n'jl-fl-in'i. 'To !>.-Kl iinoful cli^cu.ooiona -.vith 3:lr nohoTt Jp.olccon,

•,vill f"'0 pronrmtin/5 to 77011 ~';l\o "rohab.ilit.i.t.i'.on rjohcna r/hich ho.3 roen prop^rod,, 3ettrr"i ont .v-i r.oro rtots.il tho riquironarvts of o::to:?nal asslntrnTT In tho Snplomc-tntion of this profnrarw"), Toforo conclud:-.rig I 'lould !*.;'!co to oxprorsn ny apr-jroci^tion for t;io ".iem "j::p7occod Tiy TCII both :'r. Al/^l^rs and aftnr yoyr rot^rn to 7TT7 "7or"; ror.Tdlno ^?io Do?..hi Aôonent rid t'ô n."^^-'""! T? J^^1'i1'i?.''v.'jOcn E'-orfirtrThiTi - l - 7 to tho "Initnd Nat:lo in, "7o., •'.-!.OT3r?o 7o0 n^nnidorrGd ; ,t ^mfortuns.to tJip.t "';ho i^.ootAon of ^0" J?r::'.nono:rn«"0f""i"7r^';r vrr>.n raisod '-/ "âkictan. in the G-3.-ior^J.. AnnnnM.7 mid raa r-crc^.t to he I!a3:od 'lith tho quoation of o-ir ronbornhip, An you 3re n-varn, the Dolh:l Agroenont r^pocificnlly prc-v-idos for thi-T natter to I:T dirjciaoccd nrvl rottlod anon.tion of hucanitarian problems in the aub-ôntinont„ \7ith warn parc-nal regards,

Yovorr, r!iiiccrclyf

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PERSONAL AND CONFIDENTIAL 8 November 1973

NOTE OF A MEETING BETWEEN THE SECRETARY -GENERAL, MR. FAKHRUDDIN AHMED, MR. KARIM AND SIR ROBERT JACKSON ON 1 NOVEMBER 1973

The Secretary-General received Mr. Fakhruddin Ahmed, Additional Foreign Secretary of the Government of Bangladesh, and Mr. Karim, the Permanent Observer of Bangladesh to the United Nations, at 1740 on Wednesday, 7 November 1973.

Mr. Fakhruddin Ahmed presented to the Secretary-General, first, a personal letter addressed to the Secretary-General by the Prima Minister of Bangladesh dated 3 November 1973 and also a copy of his Government's "Programme for the Rehabilitation of Bengalee Repatriates from Pakistan" dated 30 October 1973.

The Secretary-General thanked Mr. Ahmed for these documents. After the Secretary-General had read the Prime Minister's letter the conversation turned to the under-utilization of aircraft involved with the repatriation operation. Mr. Ahmed said that his Government hoped that, as a result of interventions by the ICRC and Swiss Government, a "block clearance" would shortly be issued by the Government of Pakistan and in that case a much higher utilization of aircraft would be achieved.

Mr. Ahmed went on to say that his own Government was issuing permits, as necessary, for people who wish to proceed to Pakistan and that no delays were occurring in Dacca. J 1 .-,»ttBK»'.r=-"J-.' Z'..v--i''-^. ' • -•.yV-wiw^i^* '•*••? -sy/i«i

- 2 -

Although the problem was not mentioned specifically, there was an underlying assumption in this discussion that two important problems s would become progressively more acute. At the present time the formal position of the Government o£ Pakistan is that some 60, 000 Biharis would be received in Pakistan (with the possibility of this figure being increased to 90, 000). From the point of view of the Prime Minister of Bangladesh, however, it is apparent that he interprets the reception by Pakistan of "a substantial number of such non-Bengalees from Bangladesh" to represent a much higher figure than 90, 000.

The second underlying problem is the recognition on all sides that the repatriation operation will become progressively more difficult as increasing numbers of "hardship cases" are moved between the two countries.

This latter problem is related to the proposals described in the Rehabilitation Programme of the Government of Bangladesh, dated 30 October 1973, to which reference has been made above.

Turning to the letter from the Prime Minister, which, inter alia, refers to "the question of Bangladesh membership to the United Nations" the Secretary-General said that he had spoken about this matter at the Algiers Conference and had also discussed the matter with the Prime Minister of Pakistan during the latter's recent visit to UN Headquarters.

It was apparent that the matter of Pakistan recognizing Bangladesh was directly related to the (possible) trials of 195 prisoners-of-war, as is recognized in the Delhi Agreement dated 28 August 1973. The Secretary-General said that he would continue to do whatever he could in trying to resolve this difficult problem and that he would also arrange for the appropriate officials in the United Nations to study the Rehabilitation Report dated 30 October very carefully. .v-rj^i^^w^j-.T^^^-w*-5-*1-^4-'*'1^•*"•*-;•- .•-'•••-'- •• •"-"•. _ -- •- —•-' ---•' • • -' ••- •"

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At this point the Secretary-General informed Mr. Ahmed and Mr. Karim of the increasing difficulties in mobilizing official assistance v for countries had had suffered natural and man-made disasters, primarily because, during the last couple of years, there had been such an unusual number of these tragedies.

Mr. Fakhruddin Ahmed then said he wished to deliver a verbal message to the Secretary-General from the Prime Minister. He said that in the Delhi Agreement provision is made for Bangladesh, India and Pakistan to "discuss and settle the question of 195 prisoners-of-war" either on completion of the repatriation of Pakistani prisoners-of-war and civilian internees in India, Bengalees in Pakistan and Pakistanis in Bangladesh, or "earlier if so desired".

The substance of Mr. Ahmed's verbal message was that the Prime Minister believes that the talks between Bangladesh, India and Pakistan should preferably take place "earlier" rather than on the completion of the repatriation of prisoners-of-war and civilians. However, at all times, Mr. Ahmed referred to these discussions taking place on the basis of "sovereign equality".

The Secretary-General, then asked a series of logical questions which eventually made it quite clear that the principle of "sovereign equality' meant, in reality, recognition of Bangladesh by Pakistan before the talks began.

. Mr. Ahmed and Mr. Karim agreed that this was, in fact, the case and that therefore the basic problem of recognition by Pakistan still remains, thus directly affecting the other basic problem of Bangladesh's membership of the United Nations.

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The Secretary-General expressed the hope that Hip <;„-„,..

of Bangladesh would give careful consideration tu nn/ fr)f,,,.,)-, ..r.. might facilitate the solution of the basic problem of IJir. I'j^, ^,,.1,,.^,.^. ot-war (which is now clearly the main stumbling block prf>viH-i;' ;• furtlit:r relaxation of political tension on the subcontinent;.

At the request of Mr. Ahmed and Mr. Karim the .Surrrl-i r •/- t iiMUM-dl agreed that he would ensure that the Government of ['.>.',• i =;>.,,. wad made aware of the view of the Prime Minister of Bangladnnli ft.*,. tallvri bliuiilcl be initiated "earlier" rather than on the completion of ilu: repatriation operation, but he also made it clear that, while he luiLidttlt' \vould continue to do everything he could to help in resolvina du- |->ri)blenis of the subcontinent, real progress would come about iiioit quu'My if the Government of Bangladesh could give further thought/to how the basic problem of 195 prisoners-of-war could be handled more flexibly. %, V

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.Press Release IHA/201 12 November 1973

COMMUNIQUE ISSUED ON MEETINGS OF REPRESENTATIVES OF GOVERNMENTS WHICH PROVIDED ASSISTANCE TO BANGLADESH

Following is' a communique issued on the meetings of representatives of Governments which have provided assistance to -Bangladesh:

. "On Friday, 9 November, the last meeting vas held, under the chairmanship of Sir Robert Jackson, Under Secretary-General in charge of the United Nations Relief Operation in Bangladesh (UNROB) of representatives of "Governments who have provided assistance to Bangladesh. The meeting was also attended by Ambassador Francis Lacoste, Special Representative of the Secretary-General in Dacca, and by the Permanent Observer of Bangladesh, Mr. Karim, and the Additional Foreign Secretary of Bangladesh, Mr. Fakruddin Ahmed.

'"The meeting opened with a statement by Ambassador Lacoste, who. expressed satisfaction that UNROB was approaching the successful conclusion of its operations at the end of this year, by which time it would have achieved its main objectives. Despite the fears expressed when Bangladesh achieved its independence in the wake of the devastations caused by war and natural disasters, no one had died from starvation. The health of the people, and the agriculture which is the mainstay of the population, have been improved. He particularly commended the work undertaken by agencies such as UNICEF, WHO, IBRD, IMF, and the Red Cross. Much of the success was due to the striking unity of purpose and complete co-operation in action shown by the organizations of the United Nations system responsible for this massive task, and also to the determined efforts of the Government and' people of Bangladesh. "The transfer of all operational responsibility to the Government of Bangladesh was far advanced, and would be completed by the end of this year, as planned. Bangladesh was now able to fend for itself. This did not, however, mean that its problems were over. The sheer pressure of a very large population concentrated on a small area of land would invevitably continue to give concern, and some measure of assistance will continue to be required from the international community in the future.

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Meeting between the Secretary-General and the Permanent Observer of Bangladesh, Arab. Karim . on Friday. 12 October 1973. at 12:50 P.P.

Present: Ambassador S.A. Karim

The Secretary-General Mr. Urquhart

Ambassador Karim said that he vrished to discuss the question of the entry of Bangladesh into the United Nations. His Government has not yet decided whether to bring the matter up again during the current session of the General Assembly.

The Secretary-General said that the Delhi Agreement and the measures to resolve the humanitarian problems, which followed upon the Agreement, vere i most encouraging development. The only stumbling block which nov remained to Bangladesh's entry into the United Nations was the case of the 195 Pakistani prisoners of var accused of war crimes. He noted that this matter had been deliberately left aside in the Delhi Agreement. He hoped very much that the Prime Minister of Bangladesh would, in one way or another, find a way to resolve this issue without bringing the prisoners to trial. If this could be done, Kr. Bhutto had given him assurances that he would approach the Chinese with a view to not objecting to the admission of Bangladesh to the United Nations. The Secretary- General repeated his hope that Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, whose states- manship he much admired, would find a way to reconcile his own domestic difficulties in this matter with a measure which would get over this last stumbling block to the admission of Bangladesh into the United Nations and the normalization of relationship in the subcontinent. ^

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Meeting between the Secretary-General and the Pemar.snt Observer of Bangladesh, Amb. Karim ..on Friday. 12 October 1973.. at 12:30 P.P.

Present: Ambassador S.A. Karim The Secretary-General Mr. Urquhart

Ambassador Karim said that he wished to discuss the question of the entry of Bangladesh into the United Nations. His Government has not yet decided whether to bring the natter up again during the current session of the General Assembly.

The .Secretary-General said that the Delhi Agreement and the measures to resolve the humanitarian problems, which followed upon the Agreement, were a most encouraging development. The only stumbling block which now remained to Bangladesh's entry into the United Nations was the case of the l°-5 Pakistani prisoners of war accused of war crimes. He noted that this natter had been deliberately left aside in the Delhi Agreement. He hoped very much that the Prime Minister of Bangladesh would, in one way or another, find a way to resolve this issue without bringing the prisoners to trial. If this could be done, Kr. Ehutto had given him assurances that he would approach the Chinese with a view to not objecting to the admission of Bangladesh to the United Nations. The Secretary- General repeated his hope that Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, whose states- manship he much admired, would find a way to reconcile his own domestic difficulties in this matter with a measure which would get over this last stumbling block to the admission of Bangladesh into the United Kations and the normalization of relationship in the subcontinent. UNITS" NATIONS

Pi"2So " -•:2~-' CO. Office of Put-lie I-,ir.-^aJ.::.cn United Nations, M.Y. (FOR US!? OF INFORMATION MEDIA — TJOT All OFFICIAL PSCORD)

Press Release SG/SM/1838 IHA./193 lU September 1973

AnY-i^E'TFRAL APPEALS FOR lUTEMATIOML SUPPORT FOR UHITFD FATIONS HUMAiTITAP.IAIT .ASSISTANCE IN SOUTH ASIAN SUBCONTINENT

Following the conclusion'in ifew Eelhi on £8 Au

The communication froai Bangladesh took the form of a nessage from Prir.ie Minister Sheikh Mujibur Hainan revesting United Nations assistance in connexion with the repatriation of Bengalis in Pakistan. The coiur.iunication from Pakistan, ir tha form of a nessage from I-Ir. Aziz Ahmed., Minister of State I'or Foreign Affairs and Defsnce, requested United Nations assistance in connexion with the repatriation of Pakistanis in Bangladesh.

Shortly after he received these messages and vhile lie was still in the Middle East, the Secretary-General sent interim replies to the Prime Minister of Bangladesh and -che IJiaister of Sta-ze of Pakistan indicating his sympathy with their Governments' requests and referring to certain preliminary

action he had taken in that regard. On 13 September 1973a the Secretary- General issued an appeal to the international cotnmunity in order to enlist its support to enable the United Nations to carry out the various humanitarian operations involved. The text cf this appeal follows:

Text in Fnglish.

Over the pist months, as Governments are aware, the United ?Iations has been deeply engaged in'efforts to relieve human suffering in the South Asian subcontinent. In Bangladesh,, the United Nations Relief Operation (UNR03) continues its vitr.1 r.ission. In Pakistan, assistance vas provided to those displaced by war. More recently,, following an assessment made by

the Office of the United nations Disaster Relief Co-ordinator (UNHFO); I have urced the international community and the United He.ticn3 system, in particular to spare no effort to help the Government and the people of Pakistan repair the massive devastation caused by unprecedented floods. I take this opportunity to underline once again the gravity of this situation and the ongoing needs,

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Press Release ITU/159 12 September 1973

BANGLADESH BECOHES l^bth MEMBER OF ITU

(The following is reproduced as received from ITU, Geneva,)

By its accession to the International Telecommunication Convention (Montreux, 1965), registered on 5 September 1973 "by the General Secretariat of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), the People's Republic of Bangladesh has become the l46th member country of the ITU. The ITU was founded in 1865, and in 19^7 it "became the United Nations specialized agency dealing vith telecommunications. Its headquarters are in Geneva. UNITED NATIONS Wim NATIONS UNIES

POSTAL ADDRESS ADRESSE POSTALE: UNITED NATIONS, N.Y. 10OI7

CABLE ADDRESS 'ADRESSE TELEGRAPH IOUE: UNATIONS NEWYORK

PERSONAL CONFIDENTIAL

30 August 1973

. Before you left Headquarters you may have seen one of the cables from Ambassador Lacoste about very strong representations being made to him in Dacca about additional food supplies over the next few months. Similar cables have continued to come in almost daily since last Sunday. I accordingly spoke to Brian Urquhart in Geneva last Sunday since it seems very likely that the Prime Minister will take this matter up with the Secretary-General should they coincide in Algiers. (It is not quite clear yet exactly on which date Sheikh Mujibur Rahman will travel.)

I agreed with Brian that I would send an omnibus cable to him through Jerusalem this coming weekend with the latest position and would also try to send a full brief by hand of Mr Kittani. Mr Kittani is leaving somewhat earlier than Brian anticipated, namely this afternoon, and I have not yet received the cable giving details of Ambassador Lacoste's conversation with the Prime Minister whom he saw this morning. However, it is unlikely that this will change the overall picture to any great extent and I am therefore taking advantage of Mr Kittani's journey to send you the enclosed brief for the Secretary-General. This is somewhat longer than I could have wished but, as you know, the situation is a very complex one and I wanted to be sure that it was fully explained. I, of course, leave it entirely to you to edit it as you think fit before giving it to the Secretary-General. I should add that the text has been cleared with Jacko, who is in England, by telephone.

As soon as I have Ambassador Francis Lacoste's account of his conversation with the Prime Minister, I will cable any further points that need to be taken into account.

Mr Anton Prohaska, Personal Assistant to the Secretary-General. - 2 - PERSONAL CONFIDENTIAL

In the enclosed brief I have of course only dealt with the questions relating to UNROB and not the political issues connected with the Indo-Pakistan Agreement and the repatriation of refugees.

I hope you are not having too tiring a trip and send you my best wishes.

Aja 0V/O-3

Margare%-J. 'Anstee, Deputy to the Under-Secretary- General in Charge of UNROD PERSONAL CONFIDENTIAL

BRIEF FOR THE SECRETARY-GENERAL ON UNROB FOR THE ALGIERS MEETING 1. The Prime Minister of Bangladesh, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, is expected to leave Dacca to attend the meeting of the non-aligned countries at Algiers any day between 3 and 6 September. The exact date will depend on the prior admission of Bangladesh to the non-aligned group but it is expected that an effort will be made to advance admission, so that he can leave by 3 September. It is therefore probable that he will meet the Secretary-General there, in which case he may raise the following questions: (a) The GOB's concern over the supply of food grains in the coming months, particularly October; (b) The continuation of a United Nations' association with Bangladesh after UNROB proper comes to an end on 31 December 1973. 2. Extreme difficulty is being encountered in Dacca in reaching a realistic assessment of the true food position. On the basis of first hand surveys undertaken by the Senior Food Adviser and of the calculations made by Ambassador Lacoste and his staff, UNROB Dacca estimates that the stocks of food grains held in store by GOB, plus those in transit between the harbours and the stores should be appr oximate ly: end September - 300, 000 tons end October - 360, 000 tons end November - 330, 000 tons end December - 260, 000 tons. This estimate takes into account: (a) existing stocks at the end of August; (b) expected monthly arrivals; (c) the anticipated monthly off-take. While these figures do not provide as comfortable a margin as one could have hoped, our assessment has been that, given luck and a cautious policy on the part of GOB, Bangladesh should manage to get by. It is, however, essential, particularly in view of the world grain situation, for GOB to (i) limit the off-take from existing stocks; (ii) exercise extreme caution on ration levels during the critical period; and (iii) take steps to increase its reserves from domestic production by purchasing rice from the forthcoming harvest which, by all accounts, is expected to be very good. 3. Notwithstanding, the Deputy Chairman of the Planning Commission, Mr Nurul Islam, has recently made repeated approaches to Ambassador Lacoste expressing acute anxiety over the mid-October prospect (reaching a point of desperation to describe which Ambassador Lacoste has used such words as "frantic" and "panic") and "entreating" prompt

...12 -2- PERSONAL CONFIDENTIAL relief in September and early October.

4. It is clearly difficult to reconcile the two viewpoints set out in paragraphs 2 and 3 above particularly since, in a subsequent long and searching review of the food grain situation undertaken by Ambassador Lacoste and his staff with the Minister and Secretary of the Food Ministry on 27 August, the latter officials, while careful not to appear over-confident in the face of the precarious monthly balances foreseen for the coming months, showed less immediate alarm than the Planning Commission. While admitting that the period from mid-October could be tense they anticipated that, if expected imports, particularly from USSR and EEC, arrived on schedule, Bangladesh would just "squeak through". It is further understood that the Prime Minister recently informed a visiting United States Senator that "we shall make it".

5. At the same time, the Food Minister has expressed the view that the worst moment will come in the delicate transitional period in December when stocks will be at their lowest and the Aman crop, only just harvested, will not yet have been completely distributed. At that time stocks might sink to less than 100, 000 tons, which could be very serious.

6. Ambassador Lacoste also met with the Prime Minister this morning but the account of the conversation has not yet arrived. Any new information from that meeting will therefore be cabled to Algiers.

7. During these complex exchanges, there has been virtually hourly contact between Ambassador Lacoste and UNROB New York and there is complete unanimity of view. While it is difficult to ascertain the true situation, our analysis is that:

(a) it has some elements of a "self-induced crisis"; (b) the shortages predicted derive in part from distribution problems and it is known that stocks are drastically low in the North and North West of the country; (c) the question is probably not unrelated to a desire on the part of GOB to see a continuing commitment by the United Nations in 1974; (d) although there is obviously room for concern, the problem must also be seen in perspective in the context of other disasters in the world; (e) in any case, it is difficult to see what can be done to alleviate any shortages in October at this stage, and given the world scarcity of food grains, except by diverting loaded ships which are already somewhere^in the area; (f) the onus of proof is on GOB, who must present a convincing case to the Embassies and High Commissions in Dacca of likely donor countries. -3- PERSONAL CONFIDENTIAL

If the Prime Minister raises the question of an impending food irisis the Secretary-General might wish to: (a) assure him that Sir Robert Jackson made a full presentation of the problem to the meeting of donor countries held in New York on 24 August 1973; (b) make the points set out in 7(e) and (f) above; (c) indicate that if GOB makes a convincing presentation to Embassies and High Commissions in Dacca, he will strongly endorse it, while UNROB both in Dacca and Headquarters will do everything in its power to help.

It is, however, recommended that insofar as possible, detailed discussion of Bangladesh food and transport situation at the year's end should be avoided because: (a) it is too early to predict that situation with any degree of accuracy; (b) it might encourage a request for continued multilateral assistance and consequent direct involvement by the United Nations in 1974.

(XI If the Prime Minister does raise the question of a continuing association with the United Nations after the end of this year, it is suggested that it might be appropriate to take the line that, as discussed between him and Sir Robert Jackson in Ottawa recently, although the direct operational involvement of the United Nations will come to an end in December, (in accordance with the wishes of the main donor governments and the consequent directions of the Secretary- General) the Secretary-General would, of course, be prepared to help support any substantiated initiatives the Prime Minister might take to generate bilateral assistance for his country if circumstances should make this necessary next year.

11. The Secretary-General may also wish to mention that, as agreed in Ottawa, Sir Robert Jackson will be having further discussions with the Prime Minister in Dacca on 7 and 8 October 1973.

M. J. Anstee,' Deputy to the Under-Secretary- General for UNROD

30 August 1973 -2- PERSONAL, CONFIDENTIAL

relief in September and early October.

4. It is clearly difficult to reconcile the two viewpoints set out in paragraphs 2 and 3 above particularly since, in a subsequent long and searching review of the food grain situation undertaken by Ambassador Lacoste and his staff with the Minister and Secretary of the Food Ministry on 27 August, the latter officials, while careful not to appear over-confident in the face of the precarious monthly balances foreseen for the coming months, showed less immediate alarm than the Planning Commission. While admitting that the period from. mid-October could be tense they anticipated that, if expected imports, particularly from USSR and EEC, arrived on schedule, Bangladesh would just "squeak through". It is further understood that the Prime Minister recently informed a visiting United States Senator that "we shall make it".

7% During these complex exchanges, there has been virtually hourly contact between Ambassador Lacoste and UNROB New York and there is complete unanimity of view. While it is difficult to ascertain the true situation, our analysis is that:

(a) it has some elements of a "self-induced crisis"; (b) the shortages predicted derive in part from distribution problems and it is known that stocks are drastically low in the North and North West of the country; (c) the question is probably not unrelated to a desire on the part of GOB to see a continuing commitment by the United Nations in 1974; (d) although there is obviously room for concern, the problem must also be seen in perspective in the context of other disasters in the world; (e) in any case, it is difficult to see what can be done to alleviate any shortages in October at this stage, and given the world scarcity of food grains, except by diverting loaded ships which are already somewhere in the area; (f) the onus of proof is on GOB, who must present a convincing case to the Embassies and High Commissions in Dacca of likely donor countries.

... /3 -3- PERSONAL CONFIDENTIAL,

8. If the Prime Minister raises the question of an impending food crisis the Secretary-General might wish to: (a) assure him that Sir Robert Jackson made a full presentation of the problem to the meeting of donor countries held in New York on 24 August 1973; (b) make the points set out in 7(e) and (f) above; (c) indicate that if GOB makes a convincing presentation to Embassies and High Commissions in Dacca, he will strongly endorse it, while UNROB both in Dacca and Headquarters will do everything in its power to help.

9. It is, however, recommended that insofar as possible, detailed discussion of Bangladesh food and transport situation at the year's end should be avoided because: (a) it is too early to predict that situation with any degree of accuracy; (b) it might encourage a request for continued multilateral assistance and consequent direct involvement by the United Nations in 1974.

10. If the Prime Minister does raise the question of a continuing association with the United Nations after the end of this year, it is suggested that it might be appropriate to take the line that, as discussed between him and Sir Robert Jackson in Ottawa recently, although the direct operational involvement of the United Nations will come to an end in December, (in accordance with the wishes of the main donor governments and the consequent directions of the Secretary- General) the Secretary-General would, of course, be prepared to help support any substantiated initiatives the Prime Minister might take to generate bilateral assistance for his country if circumstances should make this necessary next year.

11. The Secretary-General may also wish to mention that, as agreed in Ottawa, Sir Robert Jackson •will be having further discussions with the Prime Minister in Dacca on 7 and 8 October 1973.

M. J. Anstee,^ Deputy to the Under-Secretary- General for UNROD

30 August 1973 •

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UNITED NATIONS NATIONS UNIES

INTEROFFICE MEMORANDUM MEMORANDUM 1NTERIEUR

TO: The Secretary- June 1973 A:

REFERENCE: THROUGH: S/C DE:

FROM: Sir Rober DE: Under-Sec in charj SUBJECT: OBJET: Feeding of BiharTs, etc., in Bangladesh

I attach a copy of a letter to the Prime Minister of Bangladesh, dispatched by Francis Lacoste, about the feeding of Biharis, etc. I will be discussing this further with Francis when he is here next week.

cc: Mr. Robertb E. Guyer Mr. Brian Urquhart ? JGf&hAB 46.'V4ra> ™ (8 I E 0 B)

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CA6S F DACCA 53/42 904121 a EtAT -,. ORATIONS ""• BEWYGRK ;*

UMROB 538 MISC 758 GDYER/URQUHART INFO RCR/WINSPEARE. 9 JUNE NEWSPAPERS REPORT MR. TILLUR RAHMAN, GENERAL SECRETARY OF AWAMI LEAGUE AS STATING GOB INCREASINGLY UNDER PRESSURE FROM PUBLIC OPINION" TO TRY PAKISTANI CIVILIAN IMTERNEES' IN INDIA, ^ ",..„ ~i :^~ * IN VIEW BHUTTOS THREATENED TRIALS OF IMBOCEMT BENGALEES + *L- -^ ;•'". ;"•:'>

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CONFIDENTIAL •:-..•••'-•

Meeting between Mr, M,A.; Siddiqui„• Special Envoy, .Bangladesh, and the Secretary-General 'on 1A May 1973

1 Present: : Mr.'M,A.'Siddiqui - Ambassador S,A, Karim i Secretary-General R.B, Guyer

' ' The Secretary-General referred to the limited operation of a transfer of"'15,000'Bengalis1 plus' wives and children of POWs and the return of 20,000 "Pakistanis, :• He announced'that Prince Sadruddin Aga Khan xrould shortly pay ; a', visit''to the Subcontinent in order to ascertain all the details of this ••! pperatio;n« Mr-;-.\:Siddiqui. said, that he "thought", there would be no link . between'thesi 15j000 Biharis and the return of the Pakistanis. Ambassador Karinirconfirmed that he had not yet received any official confirmation on. this matter,,; ;;:/;^ • •;•..';. •:,\.1''' ;'.'•••:.:•:/'• - ;;--V' With reference to the major issue of the exchange of Bengalis in ' Pakistan^ the return of the PO¥S and the 260,000 Biharis, Mr. Siddiqui said that- this was'a package deal and had "to be .considered as a unit, :He said that.there were over 600,000 Biharis and, of these, 260,000 • had opted for Pakistan, 150,000 to stay in Bangladesh, and the rest had ' remained undecided. The Prime Minister had stated that those -who had not expressed a choice for Pakistan would also be allowed to remain,. Therefore the majority pf the Biharis will continue in Bangladesh and only 260,000 ' ''would have to-leave,: The Secretary-General mentioned that President Bhutto "'•'had'told him that he eould not accept the return of the Biharis. as they • had never.resided in West Pakistan and would be an alien element there, Mr. Siddiqui then said that at'the beginning of\1972 President Bhut|io had openly declared that they would;be admitted in West Pakistan, but had later changed; his'mind. . V/''!'' "'•• .r :'•'.."'.• v'/';• • :':.;••' .,"• • •':. ''.;;-•;..-. • . MrV' Siddiqui. mentioned that while the recognition of Bangladesh had ' • "been"separated from the question of the return of the POWs, it still was ' 1 a prerequisite for a meeting between President Bhutto and Prime Minister *; Mujibur Rahman,:' Without'recognition there would be no meeting, ./•"".•:' "• In reply to a question from the Secretary-General'Mr. Siddiqui said that his trip up to now had been.'successful'j 'but that in some places it had "been intimated whether it would hot be possible to forego the trial of war -'criminals. The Secretary-General had previously said that this could :create a hindrance,to the;successful solution of all pending problems, Mr, Siddiqui said that his Prime Minister was being'very moderate in bi-inging to trial only 195 persons. This was not a question of acts of Jwar but'of war crimes against innocent civilians. ' --£:\*-^t<_-i;.^ ,'," '.V-' •>:.'•• ;• ;^;-v.';'.ivj-:-.]i*:y ,.'V^v'y

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'•;... / Mr. Siddiqui'mentioned that the Pald.stan Government was rounding up , Bengalis- and concentrating .them in camps.• He said that until now they had been living .under very precarious circumstances, various families in . one house,:and not being paid the promised reduced salaries. But now , 'the situation was changing and they were being sent to camps.' He showed1 ••'• the Secretary-General articles from the;Wew York. Times on this subject. ;'. The Secretary-General remarked that; according to the Wev; York Times it ; 'was. a case'of some hundreds, while ,the total figure of Bengalis was ; -estimated at-300,000, However he would tell Prince:Sadruddin to look into the. matter on his forthcoming:trip,-.i : : 1 : ;A :: ; •'. • ..- '-'"••• *•:-'." '--'••-:' v'.'.- "'••.-•• .;•:. ' ": ' • - ", •"-:"•-;<"-;. ,;;'••.'•;., - -•' .. -.'•'• ' r -. : v v ,',:;:'Finally JYhv Siddiqui mentioned ths:;food situation, stating that '" • : there ;was '• great danger :of famine,, a'dangerwhich i;^s aggravated, by,'';. • r recent floods,/;; The -world food situation.; further complicated the issue,' :., They had asked the''United States to'send'food but had been told1 that at ; , the present/moment this was not possible,,- Mr» Siddiqui said he had . suggested.tp the United States that they send now food earmarked for the Soviet.Union.and replace that later;; The Secretary-Gsneral took careful ; note of this'situation and suggested that'he'meet with Sir Robert •' '•••''-'• Jackson. Mr'i 'Siddiqui said that he would do that*'~:.''":/'• . •• ; '• AY292 CA119 S UNRGB DACCA 120 OS Q540Z =

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OFFICE OF THE PERMANENT OBSERVER OF BANGLADESH TO THE UNITED KATEOMS 130 EAST40TH STREET, STH FLOOR NEW YORK, N.Y. 1OO16 TEL: (213) 686-5233-4

19 April 1973

Excellency, I have the honour to transmit the following message received from Dr. Kamal Hossain. t Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Government of the People's Republic of Bangladesh, addressed to Your Excellency: MESSAGE BEGINS: "Excellency, The Government of the People's Republic of Bangladesh has taken note of Resolution E/RES/1735 (LIV) "Admission ox Bangladesh to the Economic Commission for Asia and the Par East" which was adopted at the Fifty-Fourth Session of the United Nations Economic and Social Council on 17 April 1973. I have the honour to inform you that the People's Republic of Bangladesh will fulfill the obligations arising from its membership of the United Nations Economic Commission for Asia and the Far East and that it agrees to pay each year an equitable contribution to the United Nations budget the total amount of which will be determined periodically by the General Assembly in accordance with the procedure established by the Assembly in similar cases. Please accept, Excellency, the assurances of my highest consideration. signed (Dr. Kamal Hossain) Minister for Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of Bangladesh"

MESSAGE EIvDS Please accept, Excellency, the assurances of my laigbest consideration.

( S.A. Karim ) Permanent Observer

His Excellency Dr. Kurt Waldheiia, Secretary General?,. United. Nations, New York. With the Compliments of the

Permanent Representative of India

to the United Nations

3 East 64th Street

New York 21, N. Y. MJO-BANGLADESH JOINT DEGURATIDN

Following-is"text of tedo-Bangladesh-Joint/Declarations Government of India and Government of Peoples Republic of Bangladesh have been giving consistently their most anxious thought and consideration to problem of restoring-friendly harmonious and good neighbourly relations between India, Bangladesh and'Pakistan on basis of sovereign equality of each State with object of promoting in every possible way durable peace in subcontinent so that each • country may devote its resources and energies to pressing task of advancing welfare 'of its- own people. With this object in view, Government of India and Government of Peoples Republic of Bangladesh have been carrying on mutual consultations. More recently Foreign Minister of Peoples Republic of Bangladesh, His Excellency Dr. Kemal Hossain paid a visit to Delhi on Thirteenth April, 1973 at the-Invitation of Minister of External Affairs, Government of India, S-ardar Swaran Singh. Discussions between two Ministers concluded on 16th April, 1973. During these^ discussions and mutual consultations, Government of India and Government of Peoples Republic of Bangladesh considered measures to promote jointly ' - . ' • - -processes of normalisation in subcontinent and to solve humanitarian and other problems arising out of armed conflict of 1971. Reviewing entire situation in subcontinent, Government of India and Government

of: Peoples Republic of Bangladesh'noted with regret and concern that progress in establishment of friendly and harmonious relations has not yet been achieved owing tofailure of Pakistan to recognise realities in subcontinent. They felt that policy hitherto pursued by Government of Pakistan- has stood in way of negotiations among all three countries on basis- of sovereign equality of each. They further noted with concern that Pakistan continued to persist in hostility towards Bangladesh and despite clear provisions of Simla Agreement continued to maintain a hostile attitude against India". Government of Peoples Republic of Bangladesh reiterated their stand that they cannot participate in any discussions with Pakistan at any level except on basis of sovereign equality. '.' , , . • .: • - . •"•...,• .--2-, •. . •

Despite difficulties created and hostility manifested by Government of Pakistan, Government of India and Government of Peoples Republic of Bangladesh .are resolved to continue their efforts to reduce tension, promote friendly and harmonious relations in subcontinent and work together towards establishment of a durable peace. ' Inspired by this vision and sustained by hope that in larger interests of reconciliation, peace and stability in subcontinent, Pakistan will refrain from persisting ifi hostility and bearing in mind letter and spirit of Simla Agreement concluded between India and Pakistan which Bangladesh had welcomed, Government of India and Government of Peoples Republic of Bangladesh jointly declare as follows: •'^Without prejudice to the respective positions of Government of India and Government of Reoples Republic of Bangladesh, two Governments are ready to seek "a solution to all humanitarian problems through simultaneous repatriation of Pakistani prisoners of War and civilian internees, except those required by Government of Peoples Republic of Bangladesh for trial on criminal charges, repatriation of Bengalees forcibly detained in Pakistan and repatriation of Pakistanis in Bangladesh, that is all non-Bengalees who owe allegiance and have opted for repatriation to Pakistan. . Government of India and Government of Peoples Republic of Bangladesh earnestly hope that Pakistan will respond to constructive initiative taken by two' Governments to resolve humanitarian problems in manner set out in paragraph five. " ......

( Issued-simultaneously i& Dacca and New Delhi on April 17, 1973, afternoon ) OFFICE OF THE PERMANENT OBSERVER OF BANGLADESH TO THE UNITED NATIONS 13O EAST 4OTH STREET. STH FLOOR NEW YORK. N.Y. 1OOI6 TEL: (212) 686-5233-4 30 March 1973

Excellency, I have the honour to enclose herewith j a telegraphic message of 29 March 1973 from the Prime Minister of Bangladesh, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, addressed to Your Excellency. Please accept, Excellency, the assurances of my highest consideration.

( S. A. Karim )

His ' Excellency ' r" Dr. Kurt Waldheim, United Nations, New York. Excellency, During Your Excellency's visit to Bangladesh last month we drew your attention to humanitarian problems which require to be urgently dealt with and our own consistent efforts to achieve progress in resolving them. In this context we reaffirmed our position that all Bengalees in Pakistan and all Pakistanis in Bangladesh may immediately be repatriated without pre-conditions. It continues to be our view that acceptance of this proposal will open good prospects for resolution of all outstanding humanitarian problems in the sub-continent. We welcomed the .opportunity to discuss with you proposals for repatriation of wives and children of POWs and all civilian internees now in India and women and children of Bengalee families in Pakistan. Your Excellency may recall that the original proposal was jointly made by the Government of India and the Government of Bangladesh to the Pakistan Government through the Swiss Government channel on November 20, 1972. The Pakistan Government have now conveyed to us through the Swiss Government that they are prepared to repatriate 15,000 Bengalees provided adequate transport arrangements are made. We have conveyed through the Swiss Government our acceptance of the above proposal. As Your Excellency may be aware the wives and children of the POWs will be repatriated as originally stipulated by Bangladesh and India through over land route at Wagah border between India and Pakistan. 2/ On On the other hand, it is necessary to arrange transport for repatriation of Bengalee families from Pakistan "by sea. As the vast majority of persons to be repatriated are located in Karachi there are distinct logistical and cost advantage in repatriation by sea from Karachi to Chittagong. It is against this background that I request Your Excellency that the U.N. may consider taking an initiative in securing a neutral ship preferably under *^- ,__ U.N. flag to repatriate 15,000 Bangalees from Karachi to Chittagong. "*» In this context may I also refer to my telegram to Your Excellency on November 2?th, wherein I had conveyed the willingness of the Bangladesh Government to repatriate all Pakistani nationals now in Bangladesh at the same time as repatriation of all Bangalees by Pakistan. If neutral shipping can be arranged under U.N. auspices the ship can carry from Bangladesh 20,000 Pakistanis on their return voyage from Chittagong to Karachi. A U.N. initiative at this present juncture will be an extremely welcome step as continuation of Your Excellency's — ._.. _^ good offices in solution of outstanding humanitarian problems. I am personally convinced that Your Excellency's leadership in this matter would lead to a general improvement in the climate of relations between countries in the sub-continent and would therefore be a positive contribution towards peace and security in the area. Please accept, Excellency, the assurances of my highest consideration. sd/- Dacca; 29 March 1973 (Sheikh Mujibur Rahman) Prime Minister of Bangladesh