Title Items-In-Peace-Keeping Operations - India/Pakistan - India - Correspondence with the Permanent Representative of India
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S-0863-0001-01-00001
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Title items-in-Peace-keeping operations - India/Pakistan - India - correspondence with the Permanent Representative of India
Date Created 29/03/1971
Record Type Archival Item
Container S-0863-0001: Peace-Keeping Operations Files of the Secretary-General: U Thant: India/Pakistan
Print Name of Person Submit Image Signature of Person Submit
29 March 1971 (6:10 p.m.)
S-G from Ramses: " Amb. Sen of India stated to Correspondents after his meeting with you that he had asked the S-G the following on behalf of his government: 1. S-G should take initiative to advise Pakistani Government to exercise restraint and prevent slaughter of unarmed people in East Pakistan. 2. S-G should study what kind of relief these people from East Pakistan need. 3- The S-G might study international assistance to India to help refugees already coming into India from East Pakistan. "
B. Text of Statement by Prime Minister/ Mrs. Indira Gandni/ in tne Lok Sat>na/ on Marcn 27/ 1971/ on tne recent developments in tne Indian su£>-continent.
Intervening in tne discussion on tne statement made by tne Minister of External Affairs on recent developments
in Pakistan/ in tne Lok Sabnaf on Marcn 21, 1971/ tne Prime Minister/ Mrs. Indira Gandni said: (f- The point is tnat tnis news (regarding tne arrest of Sheikn Mujiour Ranman) nas come tnrougn Radio Pakistan and
tnerefore I cannot say vmetner it is true or not. But we
snould not take it as true Decause it could £>e just propaganda.
Our strengtn does not lie in words. If my colleague
Sardar Swaran Singn nas not spoken witn passion/ it is not Bsosai for lack of feeling eitner on nis part or on tne part of Government/ out because of tne fact tnat we are deeply conscious of tne nistoric importance of tnis movement and tne seriousness of tne situation. Sometning new nad nappened in East Bengal
democratic action/ wnere tne entire people nad spoken witn almost one voice. We nad welcomed tnis not Because we wanted any interference in anotner country's affairs/ out
because tnere were values as one of my nonouraole friends pointed out/ for wnicn we nave always stood and for wnicn we nave always spoken out. And we nad noped tnat tnis action would lead to new situation in our neignoouring country/ wnicn would nelp us to get closer/ wnicn would neip us to serve our own people oetter and create an entirely new situation.
As our statement nas said/ tnis nas not nappened and tne wonderful opportunity for «szm strengtnening of Pakistan nas been lost and nas neen lost in a manner wnicn is tragic/ wnicn is agonising and aoout wnicn we cannot find strong enougn words to speak/ J36gssa^SS33^5i?^E8^gr33a!^^ It is not merely tne suppression of a movement/ out it is meeting unarmed people witn tanks. We are in close toucn/ as close toucn witn tne events as is possiole in sucn a situation. I am sure* nonouraole memoers will understand tnat it is not possible for tne Government to say very mucn more on tnis occasion nere. I would like to assure tne nonouraole memoers wno asked wnetner decisions would oe taken on time; obviously tnat is tne most important tning to do. There is no point in taKing a "tw^ decision when time for it is over. We are fully alive to tne A situation and we snail keep constantly in toucn witn wnat is happening and wnat we need to do. But I agree witn nim also tnat a. we must not take merely tneoretical view. At tne same time/ A we do nave to follow proper international norms. But tnere are various otner suggestions made nere aoout tne genocide and so on/ aoout wnicn we are fully conscious and wnicn we ^ve also discussed witn leaders of opposition. I tnink at tnis moment I can only say tnat we do fully snare tne emotions of tne House and tneir deep concern over tnese developments/ oecause we nave always nelieved tnat freedom is indivisible. We nave always raised our voice for tnose wno -tkfe have suffered. But in a serious moment like tnis/ less we A as a Government say/ I tnink/** nette- r it is at tnis JBeasBSSffite* "Unye . A I can assure tne House tnat we snail keep in close toucn witn tne leaders of opposition so tnat tney can continue to give us tneir suggestions and we can also give tnem wnatever v knowledge we nave. The Government of In ia cannot taut be gravely concerned at events taking place so close to our tor .ers. We can, therefore, understand the deep emotions which have been aroused in this House •fte, and in entire country, A Hon'ble Members are, I am sure, fully aware of the political developments in Pakistan since November 28, 1969 when the President of Pakistan announced his plan for evolving a democratic constitution and for the transfer of power to the elected representatives of the people. The Government and people of India have always entertained friendliest of feelings for the people of Pakistan. We had, therefore, hoped that a democratic evolution in Pakistan would follow its natural course and th- t elected representatives would a evolve constitution reflecting the urges of the vast majority of*^ke A people expressed through the elections held in December last year. However, events have taken a different and tragic turn. Instead of peaceful evolution, there is now a bloody conflict. According to reports received, the Paid. £ tan Army started taking action on midnight of 25th and 26th March against units of East Pakistan Rifles, Provincial Police and the people. Reports are that casualties have been heavy. On the morning of -flu. March 26, Radio Station at Dacca was seized by the Army. Thereafter, A Radio Station made an announcement of 15 new Martial Law Regulations banning among other things all political activities, processions, meetings, speeches and slogans. Complete censorship of all news, radio and television programmes was imposed. More than two regular Divisions of Pakistan Army are A deployed in suppressing the people of East Pakistan. Our hearts go out in sympathy to the people who are undergoing great suffering. - 2 - We naturally wish and hope that even at this late stage it would be possible to resume democratic processes leading to fte. fulfilment of the aspirations of vast majority of people there, /\ We cannot but take note of the fact that such a large segment of humanity is involved in conflict and that many people e.re suffering in the process, -ft* Recently when natural disaster overtook East Paid. t tan, fzu A Government and people of India along with other members of "flLii international community responded to bring relief to sufferings 'ffe of people there, A We are prepared to make our contribution once again in concert with members of international community or international A humanitarian organizations concerned with bringing relief to innocent victims of conflict, There is naturally great sympathy and concern for East Pakistani people among all circles in India. We are greatly shocked by the "brutality with which Pakistan army is suppressing the struggle for legitimate rights and aspirations of the majority of the people of Pskistan. They are trying suppression with tanks, strafing, artillery and mortar fire and making indiscriminate use of them. We cannot idjly stand by and watch situation without giving vent to the legitimate feelings of our people. So far we have tried to restrain lA/*/t*^ them,but increasing repression by Pakistani armed forces in East r- Pakistan we cannot keep quiet any longer. There is a threat to our own borders, there are requests for all kinds of help and there will be an unexpectedly large on-rush of refugees. Against this background we have to take immediate steps. We owe this to our own people and to people of East Pakistan as otherwise we shall be blamed for keeping silent when freedom is being suppressed and unarmed and defenceless people butchered. I should, therefore, like to convey to you with utmost sincerity and seriousness our very strong feelings in the matter and press for most urgent action. I therefore make three following formal requests:- (l) Initiative of the Secretary-General to stop the mass butchery of innocent, defenceless people of East Pakistan. (?) Arrangements for sending an International Red Cross team to East Pakistan for relief purpose. (3) Organization of relief for expected large scale refugees from there to Assam, Tripura, West Bengal, etc.
tt P.fi. There is naturally great sympathy and concern for East Pakistani people among all circles in India. We are greatly shocked by the brutality with which Pakistan army is suppressing the struggle for legitimate rights and aspirations of the majority of the people of Pskistan. They are trying suppression with tanks, strafing, artillery and mortar fire and making indiscriminate use of them. '.Ye cannot id/Sly stand by ami watch situation without giving vent to the legitimate feelin'-s of our people. So f-ic v/e Iro/c tried to rer,train • ^ them nut,increasing rspieseiion lv/ Pakistani amieii forces in East Pakistan '.7e cannot keep (juiet any longer. There; is a threat to our cv/n border?;, there are requests for all kinds of help and there will 'he an unexpectedly lur~e on-rush of refugees. , Against this background we have to take- itr.medi.tte steps,, iVe owe- this to our own pooi-le and to people of East Pakistan .?,s otherwise we shall be blamed for keening silent when freedom is being 'suppressed and unarmed and defenceless people butchered. I should, therefore, like to convey to you with utmost sincerity and seriousness our very strong feelings in the matter and press for most urgent action. I therefore make three following formal requests:- (1) Initiative of the Secretary-General to stop the mass butchery of innocent, defenceless people of East Pakistan. (2) Arran.-orients for sending an International Tied Cress team to Ihst Pakif.-tan for relief purpose. (3) Organisation of relief for expected large scale refugees from there to Assam, Tripura, i'/est Bengal, etc.
;''2;-u^.. cc: Mr. Warasiirihan Mr. Muller Mr. Lemieux RM/fp
30, 1971
Dear Ambassador Sen,
I have studied -with great care the text wMcii you left with IBS dviriag the demarche you made yesterday on belaalf of the Government of India. % reply is as follows: 1. Both for personal conrtctione ©sad as S@cretsry-0e&eral of the United Nations, I am never neutral on hwaanitarian issues. During my tea years of offieef X have made innumerable private a«d public appeals said declared say readiness to be of assistance on a large variety of hiaaanitarian issues* But I have often encountered two insuperable obstacles* (a) The elaia of Goverments that the Secretary-General has no ri^it to integer® in their interaal affairs or is matters pertaining to their national sovereignty; (b) 12je laek of authoritative Information, without whieti the Secr@tary«Gen^al csjjaot speak -without incurring the risk of beiHg accused of pre^udiee. %& predecessors smd jEQrself have had to cope with this probloa as one of the major chal- lenges of this offiee, and often at the expense of their prestige in one segment or another of world public opinion divided on political or other Issues* Ife my personal capaeitgr and ae SecrefcarsMSerigaml of the United Nations I id.ll never cease to proclaim aM defend, to the extent of ragr powers the inalienable xoghts of innocent people against violence and injustice, ^erever th^r say occur and wiiatever their motives aay be. %• ecssffiitEieat to these goals is, of course, dependent on the facts of the situation, and sy authority is limited to tihat is granted to me by the consent of Member 2. As regards the intervention of the Int^-national CoiamitteQ for the Red Cross, I have no authority over that Osigeaization «shic& is outside the United Nations systssa and which must therefore be approached in accordance \d.th the rules of its asm functioning. 5. fhe question of relief falls vithin the province of the United Nations High Commissioner for Eefugeess and I have lEsnediately conveyed to him the text of your d&aarche, Your a sincerely,
His ExeelleRey HP. Bamar S^i U M3B&saS£& Escferaordinesy and Plenipotesaftiary Pemaaent Bepreemtative of India to the United Sations DRAFT - RM/nt JO March 1971
Dear Ambassador Sen,
I have studied with great care the text which you. left with me during the demarche you made yesterday on behalf of the Government of India. My reply is as follows:
1. Both for personal coacohc and as Secretary-General of the r^ United Nations, I am never neutral on humanitarian issues. During my ten years of office, I have made innumerable private and public appeals and declared my readiness to be of assistance on a large variety of humanitarian issues. But I have often encountered two insuperable wullb1. -ev-iTiift-t-fi-^ :
(a) The claim of Governments that the Secretary-General has no
right to interfere in their internal affairs or in matters
pertaining to their national sovereignty.
(b) The lack of authoritative information, without which the
Secretary-General cannot speak without incurring the risk of being
accused of prejudice. My predecessors and myself have had to
cope with this problem as one of the major challenges of this off ice,
and often at the expense of their prestige in one segment or another
of world public opinion divided on political. issues.
In my personal capacity and as Secretary-General of the United Nations
I will never cease to proclaim and defend, to the extent in my power, the inalienable rights of innocent people against violence and injustice, wherever they may occur and whatever their motives may be. My commitment to these goals is, of course, dependent on the facts of the situation, and my authority is limited to what Is granted to me by the consent of
Member Governments . -2-
2. As regards the intervention of the International Committee
for the Red Gross, I have no authority over that Organization which sysG^ is outside the United Nations/and which must therefore be approached * i-l Jv C~t t-ffw-«\_CW,O». UnlO. aaoording. to the rules of its own functioning. f\ 3. The question cfrelief falls within the province of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, and I have immediately conveyed to him the text of your demarche.
Yours sincerely,
U Thant
His Excellency Mr. Samar Sen Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Permanent Representative of Irdia to the United Nations 3 East 6Uth Street New York 10021 NOTE VERBALE 3
Since November 1969, when the President of Pakistan
announced that elections would take place in Pakistan in the Vatter part
of 1970, through which transfer of power to the elected representatives
of the people of Pakistan would be effected, the Government and the
people of India, who -have always entertained the friendliest feelings
for the people of Pakistan, had hoped that a democratic evolution in
that country would follow its natural course.
2. Consequently, India hoped that after the announcement
of the results of the elections in December 1970,-the elected representatives
of Pakistan would evolve a constitution reflecting the urges of the vast
majority of the people. In the words of the Prime Minister of India,
"We had welcomed this not because we wanted any interference in
another country's affairs, but because there were values . . . for which
we have .always spoken. " The Government and the people of India
had entertained the belief that a democratic and stable Pakistan would
co-operate with her neighbours and particularly India, in a new attempt
to bring about peace and stability in South Asia.
3. Events since-the 25/26th March, however, have taken a
different and tragic turn. Instead of the peaceful evolution that India
and the world were anticipating, there is now a bloody conflict. The
political talks between concerned parties in Pakistan failed. The
elected National Assembly did not meet. Meanwhile, regular units
of the Pakistan Army were ordered to take massive action against the
p. 2 ...
1 ! 1 fr.'s.T^^rn^M^^Jil'W.JI^^t^w.^^tftW^SSt. •^*'Jp» i'TUflp.-WiW7i-:r«-jf
orders were issued, total censorship and curfew were imposed.
4. Among the new martial law regulations, all political activities,
processions, meetings, speeches, etc. have been banned. No news or views
bearing or likely to have a bearing on the political developments or law and t- order situation in East Pakistan would be published in any form without
prior official consent. All educational institutions have been ordered to
be closed, bank transactions term-inated and accounts frozen. Army personnel
are authorized to make search of. all places, shops, residences, etc. for the
purpose of recovering "subversive" literature, etc. These massive
suppressive measures have been taken in the name of preservation of
law and order.
5. In these circumstances, all reports on or from East Pakistan
are inevitably fragmeatary, confusing and contradictory. However, according
to Pakistani and other reports, more than two divisions of the Pakistan army
are deployed in the military action in East Pakistan. The massive military
reprisal was carried out by planes, tanks, mortars, rockets, machine-guns, etc. Recent reports indicate that naval vessels have also been used.
6. The magnitude of the loss of life and property in such armed i action is self-evident. We are concerned that in these circumstances the : international community can and should take suitable action. The scale of • i human sufferings is such that it ceases to be a mutter of the domestic '
f concern of Pakistan alone. No country in the world can remain unconcerned r in a fast-moving situation where thousands of lives are being lost. |
p.3 ...
1 VV^'f^lj^^^M*"'^ *^ '.--I,-.. ,„.» • , :« .-f . -,SJft»..
V Inaction and silence in the face of tbrs human tragedy could be interpreted by all those who suffer as helplessness, if not indifference of the outside world.
7. While the Government of India have acted with great restraint and scrupulously avoided any interference in this tragic affairs of Pakistan, the reaction of the people of India to the massive killing of unarmed people by military force has been both intense and sustained. The Government of
India cannot but take notice of this reaction, particularly as reports of increasing repression by the Pakistani armed forces continue to pour in.
There is intense sorrow and shocked "horror at the reign of terror that has been let loose. The common bonds of race, religion, culture, history and geography of the people of East Pakistan with the neighbouring Indian State
of West Bengal contribute powerfully to. the feelings of the Indian people.
8. In these circumstances, the Government of India believe
that, unless maximum restraint is exercised by the armed forces of Pakistan,
and international opinion gives sympathy and support for the people of
East Pakistan, tension in the sub-continent is bound to increase. cc: Mr. Narasirahan Mr. Muller Mr. Lemieux RM/fp
\T XN March JO, 1971
Dear Ambassador Sen,
I have studied with great care the text which you left with me during the demarche you made yesterday on behalf of the Government of India. Jfy reply is as follows: 1. Both for personal convictions and as Secretary-General of the United Nations, I an never neutral on humanitarian issues. During wy ten years of office, I have made innumerable private and public appeals and declared my readiness to be of assistance on a large variety of humanitarian issues. But I have often encountered two insuperable obstacles: (a) The claim of Governments that the Secretary-General has no right to interfere in their internal affairs or in matters pertaining to their national sovereignty; (b) The lack of authoritative information, without which the Secretary-General cannot speak without incurring the risk of being accused of prejudice* Kfcr predecessors and myself have had to cope with this problem as one of the major chal- lenges of this office, and often at the expense of their prestige in one segment or another of world public opinion divided on political or other Issues, In my personal capacity and as Secretary-General of the United Nations I will never cease to proclaim and defend, to the extent of ray power, the inalienable rights of innocent people against violence and injustice, wherever they may occur and whatever their motives may be. My commitment to these goals is, of course, dependent on the facts of the situation, and my authority is limited to what is granted to me by the consent of Member Governments. 2. As regards the intervention of the International Committee for the Red Crosss I have no authority over that Organisation which is outside the United Nations system and which must therefore be approached in accordance with the rules of its own functioning. 5. The question of relief falls within the province of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, and I have immediately conveyed to him the text of your demarche. Yours sincerely.
His Excellency Mr. Samar Sen U Thant Mbaseador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Permanent Representative of India to the United Nations TO : The Secretary-General
FROM : Jean Gazarian
FOR YOUR INFORMATION
DATE : APR UNITED NATIONS Igl NATIONS UNIES TE^t?a-»^Nt»r NEW YORK
CA1LK ADDftEkft—'ADHBMK TKUKOJIAPHIQUB: UNATION* NEWYORK
PO 2UO PAKI
• • o • * The enclosed communication dated' JO March 1971 is transmitted to the Permanent Missions of the States Members of the United Nations at the request p\f the Permanent Representative of India to the United Nations.
'^~,..J 31 March 1971
\ ) No. PR/1/71(5)
PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVE OP INDIA TO THE UNITED NATIONS 3 EAST 64TH STREET NEW YORK 21, N. V.
March 30, 1971
Excellency,
I have the honour to attach hereto
a copy of the Note-Verbale, which I handed over to Your
Excellency earlier today, on the question of the situation in
East Pakistan, and to request that the note may kindly be
circulated as a U. N. document.
With assurances of my highest
consideration.
'AA
(S. Sen)
His Excellency U Thant, Secretary-General, United Nations, NEW YORK. NOTE VERBALE
Since November 1969, when the President of Pakistan announced that elections would take place in Pakistan in the tatter part of 1970, through which transfer of power to the elected representatives of the people of Pakistan would be effected, the Government and the people of India, who have always entertained the friendliest feelings for the people of Pakistan, had hoped that a democratic evolution in that country would follow its natural course.
2. Consequently, India hoped that after the announcement of the results of the elections in December 1970, the elected representatives of Pakistan would evolve a constitution reflecting the urges of the vast majority of the people. In the words of the Prime Minister of India,
"We had welcomed this not because we wanted any interference in another country's affairs, but because there were values . . . for which we have always spoken." The Government and the people of India had entertained the belief that a democratic and stable Pakistan would co-operate with her neighbours and particularly India, in a new attempt to bring about peace and stability in South Asia.
3. Events since the 25/26th March, however, have taken a different and tragic turn. Instead of the peaceful evolution that India and the world were anticipating, there is now a bloody conflict. The political talks between concerned parties in Pakistan failed. The elected National Assembly did not meet. Meanwhile, regular units of the Pakistan Army were ordered to take massive action against the
p.2 ... - 2 -
East Pakistanis in order to "crush11 their movement. New martial law
orders were issued, total censorship and curfew were imposed.
4. Among the new martial law regulations, all political activities, processions, meetings, speeches, etc. have been banned. No news or views bearing or likely to have a bearing on the political developments or law and
order situation in East Pakistan would be published in any form without prior official consent. All educational institutions have been ordered to be closed, bank transactions termrinated and accounts frozen. Army personnel
are authorized to make search of all places, shops, residences, etc. for the purpose of recovering "subversive" literature, etc. These massive
suppressive measures have been taken in the name of preservation of
law and order.
5. In these circumstances, all reports on or from East Pakistan
are inevitably fragmentary, confusing and contradictory. However, according
to Pakistani and other reports, more than two divisions of the Pakistan army
are deployed in the military action in East Pakistan. The massive military
reprisal was carried out by planes, tanks, mortars, rockets, machine-guns,
etc. Recent reports indicate that naval vessels have also been used.
6. The magnitude of the loss of life and properly in such armed
action is self-evident. We are concerned that in these circumstances the international community can and should take suitable action. The scale of
human sufferings is such that it ceases to be a matter of the domestic
concern of Pakistan alone. No country in the world can remain unconcerned
in a fast-moving situation where thousands of lives are being lost.
p. 3 ... - 3 -
Inaction and silence in the face of this human tragedy could be interpreted by all those vho suffer as helplessness, if not indifference of the outside world. 7. While the Government of India have acted with great restraint and scrupulously avoided any interference in this tragic affair of Pakistan, the reaction of the people of India to the massive killing of unarmed people by military force has been both intense and sustained. The Government of India cannot but take notice of this reaction, particularly as reports of increasing repression by the Pakistani armed forces continue to pour in. There is intense sorrow, shock and horror at the reign of terror that has been let loose. The common bonds of race, religion, culture, history and geography of the people of East Pakistan with the neighbouring Indian State of West Bengal contribute powerfully to the feelings of the Indian people. 8. In these circumstances, the Government of India believe that, unless maximum restraint is exercised by the armed forces of Pakistan, and international opinion gives sympathy and support for the people of East Pakistan, tension in the sub-continent is bound to increase. UNITED NATIONS ifflP NATIONS UNIES
NEW YORK
CAILI ADD«I»»—ADIIIMI TILIORAPHICUI: UNATIONS NIWYOHK
HIFM.NC., PO 2UO PAKI
f> -, • !1 f The enclosed communication dated 30 March 1971 is transmitted to the Permanent Missions of the States Members of the United
\ Nations at the request of the Permanent Representative of India to the United Nations.
31 March 1971 No. PR/1/71(5)
PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVE OF INDIA TO THE UNITED NATIONS 3 EAST 64TH STREET NEW YORK 21, N. Y.
March 30, 1971
Excellency,
I have the honour to attach hereto
a copy of the Note-Verbale, which I handed over to Your
Excellency earlier today, on the question of the situation in
East Pakistan, and to request that the note may kindly be
circulated as a U. N. document.
With assurances of my highest
consideration.
(S. Sen)
His Excellency U Thant, Secretary-General, United Nations, NEW YORK. NOTE VERBALE
Since November 1969, when the President of Pakistan
announced that elections would take place in Pakistan in the tatter part
of 1970, through which transfer of power to the elected representatives
of the people of Pakistan would be effected, the Government and the people of India, who have always entertained the friendliest feelings for the people of Pakistan, had hoped that a democratic evolution in
that country would follow its natural course.
2. Consequently, India hoped that after the announcement
of the results of the elections in December 1970, the elected representatives
of Pakistan would evolve a constitution reflecting the urges of the vast
majority of the people. In the words of the Prime Minister of India,
"We had welcomed this not because we wanted any interference in
another country's affairs, but because there were values . . . for which
we have always spoken." The Government and the people of India
had entertained the belief that a democratic and stable Pakistan would
co-operate with her neighbours and particularly India, in a new attempt
to bring about peace and stability in South Asia.
3. Events since the 25/26th March, however, have taken a
different and tragic turn. Instead of the peaceful evolution that India
and the world were anticipating, there is now a bloody conflict. The
political talks between concerned parties in Pakistan failed. The
elected National Assembly did not meet. Meanwhile, regular units
of the Pakistan Army were ordered to take massive action against the
p.2 ... East Pakistanis in order to "crush" their movement. New martial law orders were issued, total censorship and curfew were imposed.
4. Among the new martial law regulations, all political activities, processions, meetings, speeches, etc. have been banned. No news or views bearing or likely to have a bearing on the political developments or law and order situation in East Pakistan would be published in any form without prior official consent. All educational institutions have been ordered to be closed, bank transactions termrinated and accounts frozen. Army personnel are authorized to make search of all places, shops, residences, etc. for the purpose of recovering "subversive" literature, etc. These massive suppressive measures have been taken in the name of preservation of law and order.
5. Jn these circumstances, all reports on or from East Pakistan are inevitably fragmentary, confusing and contradictory. However, according to Pakistani and other reports, more than two divisions of the Pakistan army are deployed in the military action in East Pakistan. The massive military reprisal was carried out by planes, tanks, mortars, rockets, machine-guns, etc. Recent reports indicate that naval vessels have also been used.
6. The magnitude of the loss of life and properly in such armed action is self-evident. We are concerned that in these circumstances the international communily can and should take suitable action. The scale of human sufferings is such that it ceases to be a matter of the domestic concern of Pakistan alone. No country in the world can remain unconcerned in a fast-moving situation where thousands of lives are being lost.
p. 3 ... - 3 -
Inaction and silence in the face of this human tragedy could be interpreted by all those who suffer as helplessness, if not indifference of the outside world. 7. While the Government of India have acted with great restraint and scrupulously avoided any interference in this tragic affair of Pakistan, the reaction of the people of India to the massive killing of unarmed people by military force has been both intense and sustained. The Government of India cannot but take notice of this reaction, particularly as reports of increasing repression by the Pakistani armed forces continue to pour in. There is intense sorrow, shock and horror at the reign of terror that has been let loose. The common bonds of race, religion, culture, history and geography of the people of East Pakistan with the neighbouring Indian State of West Bengal contribute powerfully to the feelings of the Indian people. 8. In these circumstances, the Government of India believe that, unless maximum restraint is exercised by the armed forces of Pakistan, and international opinion gives sympathy and support for the people of East Pakistan, tension in the sub-continent is bound to increase. UNITED NATIONS ffflP NATIONS UNIES
NEW YORK
CAILE ADDftIM—ADIIMH T«L»ORAPHIOUli UNATIONI NIWVORK
RIFIIKNCB, PO 2UO PAKI
The enclosed communication dated' 30 March 1971 is transmitted to the Permanent Missions of the States Members of the United Nations at the request of the Permanent Representative of India to the United Nations.
~'\
31 March 1971 No. PR/1/71(5)
PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVE OP INDIA TO THE UNITED NATIONS 3 EAST 84TH STREET NEW YORK 31, N. Y.
March 30, 1971
Excellency,
I have the honour to attach hereto
a copy of the Note-Verbale, which I handed over to Your
Excellency earlier today, on the question of the situation in
East Pakistan, and to request that the note may kindly be
circulated as a U. N. document.
With assurances of my highest
consideration.
0'AA
(S. Sen)
His Excellency U Thant, Secretary-General, United Nations, NEW YORK. NOTE VERBALE
Since November 1969, when the President of Pakistan
announced that elections would take place in Pakistan in the fetter part
of 1970, through which transfer of power to the elected representatives
of the people of Pakistan would be effected, the Government and the people of India, who have always entertained the friendliest feelings for the people of Pakistan, had hoped that a democratic evolution in that country would follow its natural course.
2. Consequently, India hoped that after the announcement
of the results of the elections in December 1970, the elected representatives
of Pakistan would evolve a constitution reflecting the urges of the vast
majority of the people. In the words of the Prime Minister of India,
"We had welcomed this not because we wanted any interference in
another country's affairs, but because there were values . . . for which
we have always spoken." The Government and the people of India
had entertained the belief that a democratic and stable Pakistan would
co-operate with her neighbours and particularly India, in a new attempt
to bring about peace and stability in South Asia.
3. Events since the 25/26th March, however, have taken a
different and tragic turn. Instead of the peaceful evolution that India
and the world were anticipating, there is now a bloody conflict. The
political talks between concerned parties in Pakistan failed. The
elected National Assembly did not meet. Meanwhile, regular units
of the Pakistan Army were ordered to take massive action against the
p.2 ... - 2 -
East Pakistanis in order to "crush" their movement. New martial law orders were issued, total censorship and curfew were imposed.
4. Among the new martial law regulations, all political activities, processions, meetings, speeches, etc. have been banned. No news or views bearing or likely to have a bearing on the political developments or law and order situation in East Pakistan would be published in any form without prior official consent. All educational institutions have been ordered to be closed, bank transactions termrinated and accounts frozen. Army personnel are authorized to make search of all places, shops, residences, etc. for the purpose of recovering "subversive" literature, etc. These massive
suppressive measures have been taken in the name of preservation of law and order.
5. In these circumstances, all reports on or from East Pakistan
are inevitably fragmentary, confusing and contradictory. However, according to Pakistani and other reports, more than two divisions of the Pakistan army
are deployed in the military action in East Pakistan. The massive military
reprisal was carried out by planes, tanks, mortars, rockets, machine-guns, etc. Recent reports indicate that naval vessels have also been used.
6. The magnitude of the loss of life and properly in such armed
action is self-evident. We are concerned that in these circumstances the
international communily can and should take suitable action. The scale of
human sufferings is such that it ceases to be a matter of the domestic
concern of Pakistan alone. No country in the world can remain unconcerned in a fast-moving situation where thousands of lives are being lost.
p. 3 ... -3 -
Inaction and silence in the face of this human tragedy could be interpreted by all those who suffer as helplessness, if not indifference of the outside world. 7. While the Government of India have acted with great restraint and scrupulously avoided any interference in this tragic affair of Pakistan, the reaction of the people of India to the massive killing of unarmed people by military force has been both intense and sustained. The Government of India cannot but take notice of this reaction, particularly as reports of increasing repression by the Pakistani armed forces continue to pour in. There is intense sorrow, shock and horror at the reign of terror that has been let loose. The common bonds of race, religion, culture, history and geography of the people of East Pakistan with the neighbouring Indian State of West Bengal contribute powerfully to the feelings of the Indian people. 8. In these circumstances, the Government of India believe that, unless maximum restraint is exercised by the armed forces of Pakistan, and international opinion gives sympathy and support for the people of East Pakistan, tension in the sub-continent is bound to increase. Personal PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVE OF INDIA
TO THE UNITED NATIONS
3 EAST 64.TH STREET
NEW YORK, N. Y. 1OO21
April 7, 1971
If you have not already seen all the attached comments, I am sure you will find them worth reading.
^
( S. Sen )
His Excellency U Thant, Secretary-Genera1, United Nations New York, N.Y.10017 6/4/1971
American State Department in its first comment on situation in East Bengal says Sheikh Mujibur Rehman's followers are in control of most of areas there though martial law authorities hold major cities including Dacca and Chittagong. Comment has been made in statement quoted by AFP.
State Department has voiced concern of United States Government over loss of lives damage and hardships suffered by people of East Bengal. In London British Foreign Secretary Sir Alec Douglas Home told Parliament April five that although his information -was incomplete, there could be no doubt that many lives had been lost in violence in East Pakistan. Sir
Alec added that Government would use its influence to bring about an end to bloodshed.
In report on situation in East Bengal"Pravda"
April four conveyed to its readers that despite official claims of increasing normalcy city streets remained barricaded, river transport disrupted and in some parts Army was trying "to terrorise civilian population". Paper explained that "lately Pakistani press has sharply come out against India's policy in connection with events in East Pakistan. This displeasure stems from decision of Indian Parliament which condemned use of force by Pakistani authorities in East of country and expressed solidarity with population". In Soviet Sontext President Podgorny's appeal April four to General Yahya Khan to stop repression in East Bengal had authority and validity of Parliamentary resolution - 2 - too since appeal was made pointedly in name of USSR Supreme Soviet. Soviet information media April five gave big display to appeal -which featured on front pages of "Pravda" and "Izvestia". Rev Joseph D Duffey Chairman of Americans for Democratic Action (ADA) April four called for suspension of military aid agreements with Pakistan "should civil strife in that nation continue". In letters to Secretary of State William Rogers Defence Secretary Melvin R Laird and Sen J William Fulbright, Duffey referred to news reports that US arms had been used by Pakistan Government in "massive terror and slaughter of civilians". Duffey who ran unsuccessfully last November for US Senate said USA last October lifted five year embargo on arms shipments to Pakistan to authorise shipments to Pakistan to auhorise sale of tanks and other military equipment. "I urge you to make sure these additional arms are not supplied and will not be supplied to Government of Pakistan so long as that Government and its army are engaged in military operation against civilian population of East Pakistan" Duffey said. Hongkong press has strongly condemned Pakistan Government's military action in East Bengal. Far Eastern * '' Economic Review says that Bangla Desh will reassert itself sooner or later. Sheikh Mujibur Rehman or his successors will - 3 - settle for nothing less than full independence. Under heading "Pakistan Massacre" article in South China Morning Post says that unarmed people are being killed by.mighty army in East Bengal. fkt Daily Star says West Pakistan Army is attempting to suppress people of East Bengal who only want government of their own.
In Colombo several members in Ceylon's Parliament have urged Government to condemn suppression of freedom
U tl struggle in Bangla Desh. Participating in debate on speech from throne members asked Government to canvass world opinion < n in favour of people of Bangla Desh. Federal Party member Dharmalingam criticised Government for allowing West Pakistan to use Ceylon's ports and airports. Islamic associations in Ceylon April five strongly condemned "brutal massacre" of defenceless civilians in East Bengal by Pakistan military junta. "Death toll of three lakh men, women and children within few days is unprecedented even for Hitler", Associations said. "Asahi Shimbun" Japanese daily in its second editorial in week condemning West Pakistan's atrocities in East Bengal has called for halt to "mass murder". Paper said only condition which tied together East and West Pakistan and made them one state was bond of troops common religion. Muslim/ of West Pakistan have attacked and killed Bengali muslims of East Pakistan. Since this is self-denial of Muslim Republic what will they use as basis - 4 - in future when calling for unification of country and uni- fication of people". It asked. "Since Government of Pakistan has claimed that reports by British American and other news media are mistaken why does it not permit correspondents of other countries to enter East Pakistan and report actual situation", paper asked and then suggested "Are developments in East Pakistan so bad that they have to be hidden to such extent". "If massacres are occuring as reported it is wrong to leave situation as it is on grounds of non-interference in domestic affairs; instead all should act on basis of humanitarianism". Protesting against total press black -out in East Pakistan Japanese daily said : "International media circles should protest fiercely if news blackout is being used as Hit a f. I' means of hiding -aark age government and should take steps to remedy situation. In this connection we would like to appeal widely to international public opinion. This is because we want Central Government of Pakistan to exercise self-control and because we place hopes on various countries starting to take steps to prevent mass murder of human beings as well as carry out relief activities". 6/4/1971
Fighting continues in East Bengal. Sheikh Mujibur Rehman's followers are said to be in control of most of countryside. According to UPI which interviewed top ranking officer leading Sheikh's followers most of areas west of Padma were now free. He said only exceptions were cantonment area near Jessore and port area in Khulna. In interview with group of foreign journalists Pakistan Military Academy trained officer Major Mohamed Abu Osman Choudhury claimed that two of his companies scored their big victory last week when they routed and killed one hundred and thirty Pakistani troops and captured Kushtia. Only West Pakistan Army officer who survived was taken into custody. Speaking to newsmen this officer said he was being treated well. Leader Sheikh Mujibur Rehman's followers in sector regretted silence of world over genocide and great atrocities now being perpetrated by West Pakistani troops in East Bengal. He said "we want moral support and not so much military support". About fighting in Dacca he said about four hundred thousand people had been killed there. He complained that West Pakistanis were destroying industrial sites, hydro electric plants and other projects. UPI correspondent who travelled partly on foot and partly on jeep found highway heavily barricaded and railway track unuseable. - 2 -
UNI says that Pakistani Naval gun boats based at Shalna port moved up Madhumati river April six indiscriminately machine gunning riverine villages reliable reports from across border said. CVE/je
cc: Mr. Lemieux
27 May 1971
%& dsar Tinoo, I enelose a eopy of a letter dated 24 May from the Jot@?national Beseti© Cassnittse, Inc« and a eopgr of the General* s reply, t^iicli are With Mnd
C.V. Chef de Cabinet
His Mr. ^abasaa cc Mr. Lemieux 27 May 1971 Sadri, I enclose a copy of a letter dated Sfe May froaa the International Heecue Cosimitt©©, Ine. and a eoi^r of the Secretary- Ganeral's repty, ^bicfe are self-explanatory. With Isind regards, Yews sincerely. C.V. de Cabinet Prince Sa3ruddin Aga Khan High Cofflmisslonez* for1 Befugees Palais des Nations Geneva, Swita©r3bBnfi CVH/at 27 Hay 1971 a? ysas' Xttt@r 2k Jfey sss of tti@ of tit® Is^isatismX leseas to isitiat® £ to Is to 0f years* I am of yowr !«tfcer fe> ss* ^itli a «^s^ of ec - 8!g& GosBissloser foa? Baraaaeat of to tfce Mr« Guyer Mr* Castrounie ANGIER BIDDLE DUKE " Honorary Chairman INTERNATIONAL CABLE : INTERESCUE, NEW YORK LEO CHERNE » Chairman WILLIAM J. CASEY RESCUE President WILLIAM J. vanden H&JVEL IRC Vice Chairman COMMITTEE, INC. GARRET G. ACKF.RSON, JR. Vice President 386 PARK AVENUE SOUTH- • NEW YORK, NEW YORK 10016 • 679-0010 EDWIN J. WESELY Vice President MORTON I. HAMBURG Vice President & General Counsel May 24, 1971 JOHN C. WHITEHEAD Treasurer MRS. ANDREW GOODMAN Secretary ' His Excellency Mr. U Thant RICHARD M. HAMMER Assistant Treasurer Secretary-General of the United Nations CHARLES STERNBERG Executive Director United Nations, New York 10017 WERNER WILLS Controller Mr. Secretary-General: ALTON KASTNER Deputy Director BOARD OF DIRECTORS I wish to inform you that on last Thursday evening the Board of Nicholas D. Biddle Directors of the International Rescue Committee authorized an Mrs. Jean-Jacques Boissier Irving J. Brown emergency aid program for the academic and professional community Career Burden among the mass of refugees from East Pakistan. Joseph Buttinger Richard E. Byrd. Jr. Elmer A. Carter The decision reached by our Board of Directors was a spontaneous Thomas J. Dodd response to your appeal for international aid to Bengali refugees. Octo C. Doering, Jr. Christopher Emmet The action was in keeping with IRC's traditional concern for Charles W. Engelhard refugee intellectuals and professionals. For example, our work H. William Fitelson Marion B. Folsom in France in 1940/1941 concentrated on the intellectual elite among Harold S. Geneen the hundreds of thousands of refugees, and in the early 1950's we Mis. Sophie H. Gimbel Mrs. Sheba Strunsky Goodman also focused on the resettlement of this relatively small but Phillip Gordon important segment of the great numbers of displaced persons. Louise Gore Herbert G. Graetz Allen Grover Our Board of Directors also felt strongly that in the. absence of Julian Gumperz Mrs. Edmund Jackson a Hindu and Moslem counterpart voluntary agency in the United Jacob K. Jsvits States, a nonsectarian group such as IRC cannot in good conscience Paul Jennings A. E. Jolis eschew its responsibility in a crisis of the present proportions. Francis L. Kellogg Harold L. Korn Mrs. Edward S. Landreth It is, needless to say, our intention to coordinate whatever program John L. Loeb, Jr. we would be authorized and able to develop with the United Nations Mrs. Mary P. Lord High Commissioner for Refugees with whom we have a close and cordial Mrs. Clare Boothe Luce Cecil B. Lyon working relationship. B. F. Mctaurin Teodoro Moscoso Henry S. Moyer In order to enable our Board to proceed with its plan it was felt Forrest D. Murden that a small mission of the IRC should visit Calcutta to lay the Robert D. Murphy Claiborne Pell groundwork for an ongoing relief operation. Mrs. Lawrence Copley Oren Root Thaw, Mr. Morton I. Hamburg and myself have volunteered for this Howard A. Rusk, M.D. Richard R. Salzmann assignment, and we hope that Professor Paul Seabury of the University I. M. Scott of California will join us. Jacob Sheinkman David Sher Mrs. H. Gilbert Smith We hope that the action taken by the International Rescue Committee General Carl Spaatz meets with your approval. *' Sterling D. Spero Louis Stulberg David Sullivan Yours sincerely, Charles Tanenbaum Mrs. Marian Y. Taylor Mrs. Lawrence Copley Thaw Henri J. van Oosten Msgr. Bela Varga Bernard West J. vanden Heuvel Chester S. Williams Ethel H. Wise airman Charles S. Zimmerman WJvH:jc OVERSEAS OFFICES Berlin Geneva Hamburg Hong Kong Madrid Mexico City Montreal Munich Nuremberg Paris Rome Saigon San Juan Stockholm Trieste Vienna Contrlbutlona to the International Rescue Committee are lax deductible. °182 PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVE OF INDIA TO THE UNITED NATIONS 3 EAST 64TH STREET NEW YORK, N. Y. 1OO21 No. NY/PM/105/5/71 June 8, 1971 Excellency, In my many discussions with you in recent weeks about the tragic sequence of events in East Bengal, I have more than once referred to the concern and anxiety caused by the treatment by the Pakistani authorities of the members of the Indian Mission in Dacca. 2. I have now been asked to invite Your Excellency's attention to this problem which has been made both serious and urgent by the failure of the Government of Pakistan to accept any of the suggestions made by us or by Powers friendly to both the countries in order to resolve the issue. 3. When on March 25, 1971 the Government of Pakistan launched its armed attack on the people in East Bengal, that Government decided, perhaps in order to divert attention from its own massive and brutal repression, to make a large number of false charges and malicious accusations against India. In spite of these provocations, India continued to hope that the Indian Deputy High Commission in Dacca would be able to function normally in accordance with the provisions of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations 1961. • P/2 - 2 - 4. On 18th April 1971, as Your Excellency may be aware, a/tysa&fj pjajapikepva f members of the Pakistani Mission in Calcutta withdrew their allegiance from the Government of Pakistan and declared themselves in favour of Bangla Desh. Subsequently on 26th April 1971, Pakistan decided to close its Deputy High Commission in Calcutta and asked for our Mission in Dacca to be closed simultaneously. Meanwhile, those members of Pakistani Mission who had defected continued to remain in possession of the premises of the Pakistani Mission in Calcutta. The Government of India repeatedly stressed that the dispute about the property between the Pakistan Government and the personnel of their former Mission in Calcutta was an internal matter for Pakistan to settle and that India could not, either legally or as a practical measure, interfere in this dispute in any manner whatever. Nonetheless, when Pakistan wished to appoint a new Deputy High Commissioner in Calcutta soon after 18 April 1971, we accepted such an appointment and gave the new Deput High Commissioner of Pakistan in Calcutta, Mr Mehdi Masud, all facilities. 5. Since 26th April 1971, my Government has offered to arrange for the repatriation of those members of the and Pakistan Deputy High Commission in Calcutta and their families/ all facilities to return to West Pakistan if they wished to r\. do so. It was made clear that these facilities would be afforded on a basis of reciprocity and would be available, p/3 - 3 - provided the Government of Pakistan allowed the members of the staff of the Deputy High Commission for India in Dacca and their families to leave East Bengal on agreed arrangements. Negotiations for working out these arrangements have been carried out over the last six weeks bilaterally as well as through friendly Governments. But they have produced no results. The Pakistan Government refused to repatriate the personnel of the Deputy High Commission for India in Dacca, unless the Government of India accepted^ in advance and as a condition to further progress, to hand over the personnel and the property of the former Deputy High Commission for Pakistan in Calcutta to the Government of Pakistan. This demand was impossible to fulfill for we could not force the former Pakistani officials, who had defected, to return home if they did not wish to do so or to be interviewed individually against their will by the officials of the Pakistan Government in conditions unilaterally imposed by the Government of Pakistan, 6. The failure by Pakistan to settle this question even with the help of friendly Governments has created a serious situation and endangered the lives of the members of the Indian Mission in Dacca. The problem has been further aggravated by the Government of Pakistan imposing numerous restrictions and harassments which not only violate the general international law and custom governing treatment to be accorded to diplomatic missions, but which have p/4 - 4 _ completely denied to Indian officials and their families fundamental human rights to Which they are clearly entitled in terms of international covenants . to which Pakistan is a party. For nearly five weeks the Government of India had tried every means to persuade the Government of Pakistan to lift these restrictions on the Indian officials and their families still living in Dacca and to ensure their early repatriation to India. However, all these efforts failed and the Government of India was left with no option but to take reciprocal measures in relation to the Pakistani officials in Calcutta. Specifically, the Pakistan Government have taken the following restrictive and punitive measures against members of the Indian Deputy High Commission in Dacca: i) All the staff members including the Head of Mission and the diplomatic officers of the Indian Deputy High Commission have been interned and are virtually under house arrest at their places of residence; ii) The Pakistan Government is preventing members of staff from communicating with each other; even telephone communications have been cut between the places of residence of the members of the Deputy High Commission; iii) The Head of Mission, the Deputy High Commissioner for India in Dacca, has not been able to communicate with his officers or staff for the last six weeks; iv) He is only allowed occasional telephone contact with his headquarters, the High Commission for India in Pakistan at Islamabad, and this also under strict surveillance. v) The Deputy High Commission for India in Dacca has been denied communication facilities with Delhi over the last 8 weeks. All members of the staff of the Mission including the Head of Mission are held incommunicado. They are ....p/5 - 5 - not allowed any visits or news. vDAItempts by representatives of friendly Governmentst like the Soviet and U.S. Consuls General and the Deputy High Commissioner of Great Britain in Dacca, to visit or contact the Indian Deputy High Commissioner there, have also been prevented; vii) In view of the lack of communications, money an£ supplies for the Indian Deputy High Commission in Dacca have been interrupted and my Government have no means of ascertaining whether their Mission has the • means even for the day-to-day existence of its personnel; viii) The only member of the Deputy High Commission who was allowed to come over to India before the above-mentioned punitive measures were undertaken by Pakistan was Madam Sen Gupta, the wife of the Indian Deputy High Commissioner. She had to travel to Karachi to come over to India, and at the Dacca airport even her overnight case was opened and searched and her departure from Karachi for India was prevented. It was only on the intercession of the Indian High Commissioner in Islamabad that she was, with difficulty, allowed to leave for India. The information which I have given is only illustrative and not exhaustive. My Government find the treatment being accorded by the Pakistani Government to the Indian diplomatic mission in Dacca unacceptable and consider it a gross violation of the spirit and content of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, 1961. The Government of Pakistan have violated Articles 22, 25, 26, 27, 29, 44 and 45 of the Convention. These aarticles stipulate that the receiving State shall (a) respect the inviolability of the premises of the diplomatic mission; (b) accord full facilities for the performance of the functions of the mission; (c) ensure to - 6 - all members of the mission freedom of movement and travel; (d) permit and protect free communications on the part of the mission for all official purposes; (e) respect the inviolability of the persons of the diplomatic agents; and (f) continue to guarantee and accord these facilities even if diplomatic relations are broken off or a diplomatic mission is closed. Pakistan's deliberate violation of the provisions of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations is also in contravention of that Convention's preambular objectives which state that it is being drawn up and implemented so that the "purposes and principles of the UN Charter shall be fulfilled for the development of friendly relations among nations irrespective of their different constitutional and social systems." By its continuous and deliberate harassment of the personnel of the Deputy High Commission for India in Dacca, Pakistan is showing utter disregard for international law and practice governing diplomatic contacts between States. In spite of the mounting pressure of public opinion, the Government of India did not take any reciprocal action for five weeks in the hope that Pakistan would adopt a rational attitude. In this situation, the Government of India are most anxious that a speedy solution to this problem, which is undoubtedly contributing to the increase in tension between the two countries, should be found. I have, therefore, been instructed by the Government of India to - 7 - request Your Excellency to use your good offices with a view to ensuring the safety and proper treatment of the Indian personnel and their families belonging to the Indian Deputy High Commission in Dacca and their earliest repatriation to India. Please accept. Excellency, the renewed assurances of my highest consideration. 1>IA. \ ( S. Sen ) His Excellency U Thant Secretary-Genera1 United Nations, New York UNITED NATIONS Press Section Office of Public Information United Nations,, N.Y. (FOR USE OF INFORMATION MEDIA — NOT AN OFFICIAL RECORD) Press Release SG/1756 9 June 3.9T1 ASSJSTANT^ SECEETARJ-G^^^ ARRIVES, IN Gj^'A ..AFTERTALKS IN. DACCA Ismat Kittani, United Nations Assistant Secretary-General for Inter-Agency Affairs, arrived in Geneva this morning from Dacca where he held discussions Monday and Tuesday, 7 and 8 June, with the Governor and other senior officials of East Pakistan, as well as with personnel of the United Nations Agencies and Programmes, The purpose of these talks was to follow up the agreement reached in Islamabad with the President and senior officials of the Central Government on the modalities of international humanitarian assistance from and through United "Nations Agencies and Programmes. The Representative of the Secretary-General in East Pakistan, Bahgat El-Tawil, accompanied Mr, Kittani to Dacca . and has already assumed his functions. In co-operation with Agency representatives in East Pakistan he will act as the focal point for international relief assistance,.. It has also been agreed that a counterpart Pakistani interdepartmental committee will be established in Dacca, The two groups will work very closely together in planning and organiz- ing the relief operation as speedily as possible. A direct line of communication between the Representative of the Secretary- General and the United Nations Headquarters in New York through Rawalpindi and the United Nations radio network is being set up and will soon, it is hoped, be in operation. While In Pakistan, Mr. Kittani also had consultations with Prince Sadruddin Aga Khan, United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, who is presently engaged in discussions with the Pakistani Government concerning the repatriation of East Pakistani displaced persons in India. Mr, Kittani and Diego Cordovez,who accompanied him throughout the mission as his Assistant, will be arriving in New York on Thursday, 10 June. Focal Point Fund Raising Action Status cf Contributions as of 9 June 1971 (in US Dollars): Governments In Cash In Kind Total CANADA 2,00ft, 000 - 2,000,000 CYPRUS 4,800 - 4,800 FRANCE 453,000 - 453,000 GERMANY, Fed.Rep. 273,200 - 273,200 JAPAN - 2,500,000 2,500,000 NEPAL 2,500 - 2,500 NETHERLANDS 239,800 211,900 451,700 UNITED KINGDOM 2,4.00,000 2,400,000 4,800,000 UNITED STATES 7,500,000 10,000,000 17,500,000 UN Agencies WHO - 140,000 140,000 WFP - 3,100,000 3,100,000 UNICEF - 400,000 400,000 UNHCR 500,000 - 500.000 Total in cash and kind as of 9 June 1971 32,125,200 Focal Point Cholera Action The list of supplies established in collaboration with WHO is: 20 jet injectors for vaccine, 5,000 disposable syringes and 375,000 needles, 1 million capsules of tetracycline (for adults), 1,000 half-litre bottles of tetracycline syrup (for children), 500,000 doses of cholera vaccine, 250,000 litres of rehydration fluid with injection sets. As for the cost, WHO is contributing $ 155,000 while UNHCR in its capacity as focal point is making available «$ 185,000. As regards transportation, 11,151 kg of goods have already been sent by air to Calcutta. By the end of this week, additional 25 metric tons of medical supplies are scheduled to reach India by air. From next week, it is expected to assemble medical goods at the rate of 30 metric tons per week and to use all available air transport facilities to the maximum. Focal Point Work Modalities The Standing Inter-Agency Consultation Unit is, since its establishment, meeting at Geneva regularly at about a week's interval and, having established its terms of reference and mode of work, is yielding positive and speedy results. While UNHCR, acting as focal point has already established work modalities in the medical field with WHO, a memorandum of understanding is being finalized with UNICEF. It is understood that UNHCR, as focal point, would continue to be the central pool of funds received in response to the Secretary-General's appeal. As for food, all commodities whether received directly by WFP or offered to UMCR, would be handled by WFP. Mr. Thomas Jamieson has been appointed Special Representative of Focal Point in Delhi where he arrived on 4 June. With the Compliments of the Permanent Representative of India to the United Nations 3 East 64th Street New York 21, N. Y. PERMANENT MISSION OF INDIA TO THE UNITED NATIONS 3 EAST 64TH STREET NEW YORK. N. Y. 1OO21 June 16,1971. REFUGEE STATISTICS (AS OF 15TH JUME 1971) Total; 5.790 million Breakdown West Bengal 4-. 390 million Assam .187 million Megnalaya .254 million Triprara .955 million Bihar .004. million 5.790 million Number of Camps: 536 Breakdown; West Bengal 377 Tripura 15 Assam 124 Meghalaya 17 Bihar 3 50 Central Camps are being opened, each with a capacity of 50,000 to accommodate 2,500,000 Refugees. Breakdown Tripura 10 Assam 2 Meghalaya 2 West Bengal 20 Mana(Madhya Pradesh) 4 Bihar 5 Orissa 2 Uttar Pradesh 2 Bilaspur(Madhya Pradesh) 3 50 Upto 9th June, reported cases of Cholera 13,135 with 2400 deaths.Areas affected: Kachar,Malda,24 Parganas & Nadia, Daily Ration per head; Rice 400 Grams Dhal 100 Grams Vegetables 300 Grams Plus salt and other edible oils. Priorities in Requirements; Shelter Material Baby Food and Food for nuriMg mothers, Medicines, Ambulances and other Transport vehicles, Rice, Edible Oils, Cereals, PERMANENT MISSION OF INDIA TO THE UNITED NATIONS 3 EAST 64TH STREET NEW YORK. N. Y. 1OO21 June 16,1971. .. mm niUien West Seagal 4*390 millioaa Assam ,1S? millim ,254 BtiUiOBl frlpaea »955. million 377 15 Assam Megfta tr Bfhss? 3 50 Caafewai Oaaps are bsaiag opened, eaoh u'itii a opacity of 50J000 to aeeosmaolate! 2,500,000 10 2 2 West Bg«j§al 20 4 5 QrSssa a Uttac a .50 fpto 9tfe feaej repoi'tsd eases of G&olera 10,135 with 2400 deathai&reas affoeteds SaeliarjMaldas24. Pargaaae & Hadla. 400 100 teuns 300 Plus salt aa4 other edible P«rod and Food for Bias, E&iM,9 OJis, PERMANENT MISSION OF INDIA TO THE UNITED NATIONS 3 EAST 64TH STREET NEW YORK, N.Y. IO031 His Excellency U.Thant Secretary-General, United Nations, Newfork of tha re£ag«K» £rm &ast l&ldUtten near IB Xsilei i» 8 of tb» tttme*t eencons etsl ur^sncy. f&» «3eor©t-ary*6ffls«fa3. la to tf& enss-ytM&g iasstbl-e, Id co-operation wit& tho Ctov^smassfcs es^lammatary to their owa effort, to feoilltafce th® of sfesa aecimmt of tfeetr velfar«. Ctoa ^s»i%l» is^tfeod of to seta* Hell & itMtM r®pjr«sf^!3tatloa of t&3 Kig^t OB botfe sldaw of tto feordor* l%»ar is «lrm^f setieg. «e tJaa focal ^gin% l**r tb.« oo tfea feMart *15a, at OB %o^h Bl«i«», end If. rftcsajt^iea CNmtarao OB «&» 1® tfefc faallBS ef the Sswatar/-&3Eera1i tizat %«fer« im mrmiigasaBttt cm «l»rg9 eeale, it wgulA Ve tast it la » liszltea «aqr in oar^sr to *»it»rtain vtrot&av is * tisaful Krs«sjj» in faciHtatl«s t£t» ^f^nmea of t® ttiEft s&gFfSBffisfcstivos of tfess Hif£h CossssissiGBfldf fur &fij&B os t-stti stfl^s of the it t© preva useful, it -atsal^ ^s® feo it gre4tselly to inoltjda aost, «r all; &t feteo Saopa tfeat t&8 Ga^mEaat of IMia to e^-^d t&a asffiassary eo-opsrstleta t® csafes tM» initial. eimllar e«sg«etiai iuit bairn ffiade to tfet of Distr. GENEBAL S/10273 21 July 1971 ORIGINAL: ENGLISH LETTER DATED 20 JULY 1971 FROM THE PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVE OF INDIA TO THE UNITED NATIONS ADDRESSED TO TEC PRESIDENT OF THE SECURITY COUNCIL I have the honour to refer to the letter— from the Permanent Representative of Pakistan dated 10 May 1971, and in reply thereof, to state as follows: 1. It is regrettable that the Government of Pakistan continues to make attempts to absolve itself of all responsibility for the hijacking of the Indian Airlines plane on 3 February and to shift the blame for its action on India. The facts that have been given in my earlier letter dated 8 April 1971 and its attachment3 clearly establish Pakistan's culpability and motivations in hijacking and destroying the Indian plane. Pakistan's contention regarding the legality of the Indian action has also been fully answered in ray earlier letter. 2. Pakistan's motivation for its illegal and irresponsible action was political blackmail, and part of Pakistan's policy of hostility towards India. The Permanent Representative of Pakistan has totally suppressed the fact that Pakistan for many years past has been pursuing a policy of confrontation bordering on hostility against, and has been refusing to have normal relations with my country3 the aim of which policy has been to pressurize India into accepting Pakistan's demands to certain Indian territory. It is well-known that the hijacking and the blowing up of the Indian plane were celebrated in West Pakistan as the delivery of a telling blow against India. Some aspects of Pakistani policy are: (i) Continued ban on passage of Indian boats and steamers on Pakistani rivers,, streams or waterways; (ii) Continued ban on civil air flights, railways and road communications between the two countries-, I/ S/10193 dated 11 May 1971 71-1^629 S/10273 English Page 2 (iii) Continued "ban on trade and commerce with India; (iv) Continued confiscation of all properties of Indian citizens and of the Government of India in Pakistan; (v) Continued attempts to foment, through sabotage, infiltration and assistance with arms and ammunition, subversion within India, including Assam, Nagaland and Jammu and Kashmir, (vi) Intensive hate campaign against India on Radio and in the press; (vii) Continued military build-up of the Pakistan Army and Air Force and alliances with Powers hostile to India. 3. The hijacking and blowing up of the Indian plane, besides intensifying the policy of confrontation by the Government of Pakistan, jeopardized the safety of civil aviation in the sub-continent. To avoid the possibility of Pakistan organizing further hijacking incidents for its political purposes, India stopped the flight of its own aircraft across Pakistani territory. At the same time India withdrew the permission given in 1966 to Pakistan's military and civil aircraft to fly across its own territory. I may point out that ever since the Pakistani armed attack on India in 1965, the air agreement between the two countries remained in abeyance except for facilities granted provisionally on an ad hoc basis. The full restoration of the air agreement has been awaiting the normalization of Indo-Pakistan relations and the abandonment by Pakistan of its policy of extreme hostility against my country. U. Even though the hijacking and destruction of the Indian plane have been condemned in all parts of the world, it is regrettable that Pakistan is unwilling to change its position but is trying merely to lay a smoke screen before it. Two and a half months after the incident in May, it was announced by an official spokesman of the Government of Pakistan that a Commission of Enquiry, that had been constituted in March by the Government of Pakistan to enquire into the hijacking, had come to the conclusion that the hijackers of the Indian plane were not Kashmiri freedom-fighters at all as claimed by Pakistan earlier, but Indian intelligence agents. According to the so-called inquiry, the Government also announced in all seriousness, however unbelievable this may sound, that the Indian plane was blown up at Lahore in Pakistan not by the freedom-fighters but by Indian intelligence agents. The conclusions of the so-called inquiry are annexed to the letter of the Permanent Representative S/10273 English Page 3 of Pakistan under reply, and make interesting if somewhat strange reading. Such manoeuvres to escape responsibility for the hijacking and the "blowing up of the Indian plane by the Government of Pakistan do not inspire confidence in Pakistan's willingness either to guarantee air safety in the sub-continent or to have normal relations with us. 5. Pakistan has been pressing for an early resumption of its overflights across India in order to use them to maintain and step up its military hold over the people of East Bengal against the expressed wishes of the people of East Bengal. I do not wish to dwell here on the military repression indulged in by the Pakistan Army since March 25 to suppress the long felt and legitimate political, economic and social aspirations of the East Bengal people, or the crossing of the international border into India by seven million people from East Bengal as a result of the terror there. As is well-known Pakistan's repression in East Bengal has aroused the strongest feelings amongst the people of India. 6. My Government has always desired and worked for normalization of relations with Pakistan by solving,, step by step, all bilateral problems. The question of airflights between the two countries is no exception to this. I sincerely hope that the Government of Pakistan will agree to normalize its relations with India, create conditions for safe air travel in the subcontinent and stop terrorizing « the people of East Bengal thereby threatening peace and stability. T. I request that this letter be circulated as a Security Council document. Accept, etc. (Signed) S. SEW AIDE-MEMOIRE The Government of India share the view of the Secretary- General that the repatriation of the refugees from East Pakistan, now in India, is a matter of utmost concern and urgency. Of even greater concern and urgency is the need to stop military atrocities in East Pakistan and the daily flow of refugees into India at the rate of 40,000 to 50,000 a day. The refugees already in India are unlikely to return as long as this further exodus continues. The Government of India have noted with infinite dismay and grave concern that far from encouraging the return of refugees or stopping or reducing the further flow of refugees from East Pakistan to India, their number has increased by nearly four million since President Yahya Khan made his statement on the 25th May that he would agree to allow these Pakistani citizens to return to their own country. 2. The root cause of the inflow of over seven million refugees into India and the daily exodus that still continues can only be explained by the total absence of such conditions in East Pakistan as would encourage or enable the refugees to return to their homes. The chaos and the systematic military repression and the decimation of the Bengali-speaking people in East Pakistan continue unabated, as indeed is clear to any objective reader of the international press. This has been further corroborated by the recent report of the World Bank and by other independent foreign observers who have visited East Pakistan and heard the tales of their woes from refugees themselves in their camps in India. - 2 - 3. The burden on the Government of India in looking after millions of refugees, whose number is still increasing every day, has been recognised by all. It has equally been recognised that in Pakistan efforts to cope with the results of two successive disasters, one of them natural and the other man-made, are increasingly hampered by the lack of substantial progress towards political reconciliation and consequent effect on law and order and public administration in East Pakistan, An improved political atmosphere in East Pakistan is an indispensable pre-requisite for the return of the refugees from India. The conflict between the principles of territorial integrity of states and self-determination is particularly relevant in the situation prevailing in East Pakistan where the majority of the population is being suppressed by a minority military regime which has refused to recognise the results of the elections held by them only in December last year and has launched a campaign of massacre, genocide and cultural suppression of an ethnic group comprising 75 million people. Unless this basic cause for the influx of refugees into India is removed, all attempts to solve this problem by unrealistic experiments are bound to fail. Not only will they fail but they will tend to divert attention from the main issue and so encourage the continuation of military repression undertaken in so wide and horrifying a manner as in East Bengal. 4. Prince Sadruddin told the Prime Minister of India in New Delhi some time ago that the process and organisation of repatriation would be hampered by posting a number of personnel drawn from different parts of the world, speaking various languages with diverse backgrounds and - 3 - following an assortment of techniques. UNHCR made no suggestions in the ECOSOC meeting held in Geneva on 16th July that the establishment of a limited representation of the High Commissioner for Refugees on both sides of the border would in any way encourage the return of refugees to their homes in East Pakistan. 5. In these circumstances the Government of India are unable to understand what purpose the posting of a few men on the Indian side of the border will fulfil. Our conviction is that they can in no way help or encourage the refugees to return home and face indiscriminate and deliberate massacre by the West Pakistan military authorities. By attempting to subdue through brute force, 75 million people of East Pakistan and by refusing to recognise political, economic, social and administrative realities of the situation prevailing there, the Pakistan Government has not only made it impossible for the refugees already in India to return but is deliberately forcing further inflow of refugees into India. 6. India has no desire to prevent the refugees from returning to their homeland; indeed we are most anxious that they should go back as soon as possible and as a first step conditions must be created in East Pakistan to prevent the further arrival of refugees into India. In this context the Secretary-General must have seen the reported statement of 30th June by the UNHCR refuting Pakistani allegations that India is obstructing the return of refugees. Prince Sadruddin is further reported to have said there was absolutely no evidence for the host Government having obstructed the refugees if they wanted to go. Again, in Paris on 10th July the Prince in reply to a question said that it would not be logical to say that India was in any way - 4 - holding back their return. On July 19 at Kathmandu two volunteers of the British Organisation "War on Want" described as 'rubbish1 Pakistani allegations that India was holding refugees and preventing their return. At Calcutta on July 22 Mr. Manfred Cross, an Australian M.P., described as 'impossible1 the Pakistani propaganda that refugees are being prevented in returning to Bangla Desh. Hon'ble Mr. Cornelius E.Gallagher, member of the United States House of Representatives made a statement on the llth of July in the House stating that 'the response of the Indian Government to the crisis created by the action of the Government of Pakistan has been magnificent. They had demonstrated most unbelievable restraint in view of the provocative effects of the army's brutal sweep and they have shown inspiring compassion to the refugees. If it can ever be said that any Government is truly moral and humanitarian, the Government of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi has earned that distinction in the weeks since the first refugee crossed her border. The sheer number of refugees is irrefutable evidence of the brutal policies pursued by the Government of Pakistan to crush the people who won the elections. Based on interviews I conducted with a cross-section of the refugees, I now believe that a calculated attempt to crush the intellectual life of the Bengali community occurred because of mass killings of professors, students and everyone of any distinction by the army. This in my judgment, gives credence to the charge of genocide1. Apart from these and many other statements of this nature, not even a single responsible and reputable report has ever indicated that the return of refugees or their continued inflow is due to any other cause except the intolerable and tragic conditions prevailing in East Bengal. - 5 - 7. In this background, the Government of India must express their total opposition to the suggestion for the induction of a "limited representation of the High Commissioner for Refugees on both sides" and must categorically state that they resent any insinuation that they are preventing the refugees from returning to East Bengal. They allowed them to enter India purely on humanitarian grounds in spite of the most serious impact on her social, political and economic structure. The Government of India are anxious that they return as soon as possible. The presence of the United Nations or UNHCR representatives cannot help in this. On the other hand, it would only provide a facade of action to divert world attention from the root cause of the problem which is the continuation of military atrocities, leading to further influx of refugees and absence of a political settlement acceptable to the people of East Pakistan and their already elected leaders. 8. The UNHCR has a fairly strong team of senior officers located in Delhi and they have been given every facility to visit refugee camps. In fact, Mr. Thomas Jaimeson, Director of Operations of the UNHCR, who is the Chief Representative of the UNHCR1s office in India has recently returned from a second tour of the refugee camps. He was allowed access to all the refugee camps and was given facilities to visit these camps including those in the border areas. Apart from this, & thousand foreign observers have visited these refugee camps and most of them have publicly stated that the refugees have taken shelter in India from the military oppression in Bangla Desh and are not willing to return unless suitable conditions are created ensuring their safe - 6 - return through a political settlement with Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the acknowledged leader of East Pakistan and his already elected colleagues. In the light of the information available to the Government of India and to the interested Governments and organisations, they have painfully come to the conclusion that the time is past when the international community can continue to stand by, watching the situation deteriorate and merely hoping that the relief programmes, humanitarian efforts, posting of a few people here and there, and good intentions would be enough to turn the tide of human misery and potential disaster. 9. While therefore, the Government of India have no wish to lend their support to any proposal which will deflect attention from the basic problem or diffuse concern from the fate of the unfortunate refugees, they would welcome any action by the U.N. which would ensure and guarantee, under adequate international supervision, that the refugees' lands, houses and property will be returned to them in East Pakistan and that conditions are created there to ensure their safe return under credible international guarantees without threat of reprisal or other measures of repression from the military authorities of West Pakistan. It is painful to note that even the handful of refugees who ventured to return to East Bengal have not only been not allowed to go back to their homes and villages but have been subjected to endless indignities and inequities and been made to do forced labour and face many other difficulties. The Government of India would like to draw the Secretary-General's attention in this context to the New York Times report and photographs published on the 27th July, 1971. In " 7 — these circumstances it is unrealistic to hope that these circumstances will begin to be changed by the posting of any personnel on the Indian side of the border. The Government of India cannot support such a facade of action in the full knowledge that it is unrealistic, unhelpful and even dangerous. They find therefore the proposal totally unacceptable. 10. The crux of the problem is the situation inside East Bengal where an army from a distant territory is exercising control by sheer force and brutality. If the international community is serious about the need for the return of refugees to East Bengal the first step that has to be taken is to restore conditions of normalcy inside East Pakistan through a political settlement acceptable to the people of East Bengal and their already elected leaders, and take such internationally credible measures as would assure the refugees their safe return without reprisals etc. Permanent Mission of India to the United Nations Augusfc NEW YORK UNITED NATIONS Press Section Office of Public Information United Nations, N.Y. (FOR USE OF INFORMATION MEDIA -- NOT AN OFFICIAL RECORD) Note No. 3675 2 August 1971 NOTE TO CORRESPONDENTS The following statement was made today by a United Nations spokesman: The following statement is in response to numerous queries relating to recent reporting on the United Nations relief effort in East Pakistan. The United Nations humanitarian relief effort in East Pakistan arose out of consultations between the Secretary-General and the Pakistan Government which "began shortly after the March events in East Pakistan. Efforts by the United Nations system to provide humanitarian assistance to East Pakistan were formalized on 22 April in a letter from the Secretary-General to the President of Pakistan offering such assistance to the population of East Pakistan (Press Release SG/SM/1^7^). As a result of further consultations a special representative of the Secretary-General visited Islamabad and Dacca and reached agreements with the Pakistan authorities by which a representative of the Secretary-General was stationed in Dacca on 7 June. On 16 June the Secretary-General made an appeal to all Governments, intergovernmental and non- governmental organizations and private institutions and donors for contributions to the relief effort in East Pakistan. A detailed description of this effort and an assessment of needs is to be found in Press Release IHA/20 of 15 July. After an evaluation on the spot, the Secretary-General's representative in Dacca has submitted an organizational plan for the staffing of the United Nations relief effort which was considered together with the suggestions of a Secretariat group which has been consulting in Geneva with the representatives of the agencies concerned. The final plan is now being implemented. The main purpose of United Nations relief personnel in East Pakistan is to ensure that the most effective possible use is made of the relief made available by the international community. The exact modalities for carrying out this task are still being worked out. The Secretariat is in constant (more) - 2 - Note No. 3675 2 August 1971 consultation with the Government of Pakistan on these and other matters relating to the relief effort. The United Nations activity in East Pakistan is solely humanitarian in nature. There is no "peace-keeping" element in its terms of reference, and it is entirely misleading and erroneous to refer to it as a "United Nations force" or United Nations observers. The Secretary-General will continue to make information available, as appropriate, concerning specific developments in the United Nations relief effort in East Pakistan. The Secretary-General wishes to express his appreciation to all the Governments which have generously responded to his appeal and hopes that further contributions will shortly be forthcoming. •Sf *#* # Cc'- /m. /At*. •**•/ Message from Sardar Swaran Singh, Indian Foreign Minister, addressed to His Excellency U Thant, Secretary-General of United Nations. "We are distressed and shocked at the announcement made in Rawalpindi that they propose to commence Sheikh Mujibur Rahman's trial from tomorrow. This announcement comes in the wake of the several categorical statements which have lately emanated from President Yahya Khan about Sheikh's culpability in waging war against Pakistan and in having indulged in treasonous activities. Sheikh Mujibur Rahman is an outstanding leader of his people, much beloved and much respected. His victory at the polls in December, 1970 was perhaps the most magnificent one, in any similar election anywhere in the world, in recent years. Our people, press, Parliament and Government are all convinced that the problems which have been created for us by Pakistani action in East Bengal will be multiplied ten-fold if the Government of Pakistan do something precipitate and extreme in the context of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman's life and welfare. We should like to appeal to Your Excellency to take urgent steps to request the Government of Pakistan not to take this action which is certain to make their difficulties and ours very much worse. Anything they do to Mujib now will have grave and perilous consequences. " Personal Message from Shrimati Indira Gandhi, Prime Minister of India, addressed to His Excellency U Thant, Secretary-General, United Nations, New York. _ "The Government and people of India as well as our press and Parliament are greatly perturbed by the reported statement of President Yahya Khan that he is going to start secret military trial of Mujibur Rahman without affording him any foreign legal assistance. We apprehend that this so-called trial will be used only as a means to execute Sheikh Muj ibur Rahman. This will aggravate the situation in East Bengal and will create a serious situation in India because of the strong feelings of our people and all political parties. Hence, our grave anxiety. We appeal to you to exercise your influence with President \;ahya Khan to take a realistic view in the larger interest of the peace and stability of this region. " cc. l-'r. Lemieux The Secretary-General of the United Nations presents his compliments to the Permanent Representative of In&ia to the UnitM Netioas and has the honour to refer to the messages frora the griice Minister and the Minister of External Affairs of India concerning Sheik Mu^ibur Bateau, 13 August 1971 cc. f-'r. Lemieux 13 August 1971 Dear Ambassador Sen, On 11 August 19T1 you kindly transmitted to me a letter dated 29 July from Mr. K. KaraaraJ and other members of the Indian Parliament concerning Sheik Mujibur Hahman. Enclosed please find ray reply to this letter. I would be most grateful if you would arrange for it to "be transmitted to Mr. KasnaraJ, Yours sincerely, U Thant His Excellency Mr, S. Sen Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Permanent Representative to the United Nations Permanent Mission of India to the United Nations 3 East 6Hh Street Wew York, N.Y. 10021 cc. N-r. Lerr:.f-'-ux ? !>&?* EfesaeaaaJ., f£he P@zsasnsat Hgpsesentat^ve of ladia has trsmsaitt^. t© ae a letter 9 JiaXy 1971s ^^i^ J11^^ os1^. tSiiartsr-six; of jmsr eollsagues in the Rsrllasa^it hsye asKressed to rse csncernisig Stielk ^tt^ibis* Your message has been duly aot©&. U^ie Sate of £Iheik Hoji 1© sloo a iasttese* of ccaaoem to ne as tfee J^K^e&eary-»G«K®ssaI of the ' r^tctloa to «$arts .cozaseraiHig; M.® iE^sn^tng trial Is set in a oa isjr b^ialf "by ISi© ?feitM Hs-fclor^s on 3D /h3,gsjst. A of this stefe^aas-jt Is sfctad&eS, fer your As yoiir G ins of -Qie ovents of i9fl I have ^r best efaroa?ts, to an of the situation in . 2 trlsh Iso timt I to && as ^itti, as 1 sss sm*@ yoa a3J. c/o of Xslia U0. tfe© l&iitsd 2 fiast, cc. Vr. Lemieux OU3G3PA Personal 15 August 1971 Excellency, I have the honour to acknowledge receipt of your personal message concerning the reported impending trial of Sheik Mujibur Rahman» which •was transmitted to me "by your Permanent Representative to the United JJations on 11 August 1971. I have given the most serious attention to your message and I fully appreciate the importance you attach to this problem, both in the humanitarian sense and in view of its implications for the situation in the area. 'She fate of Sheik Mujibur Rahman is also a matter of great concern to me. My reaction to reports concerning his impending trial is set forth in a statement made on iay behalf by the United Nations spokesman on 10 August. A copy of this statement is enclosed for your information. I am sure that Your Excellency is aware that since the beginning of the events of March ISm, I have been exerting lay best efforts, within my competence and authority, to prevent an aggravation of the situation in East Bakistan. I wish to assure you that X shall continue to do so, with, as I am sure you will understand, all the necessary discretion and lack of publicity, I take this opportunity to renew to Your Excellency the assurances of my highest consideration. U Her Excellency Shrimati Indira Gandhi Prime Minister of India JJew Delhi, India r cc. •••'r. [•evriieux OboGr-vT T •-" f^ o-"I •-..-••;•. . honour to acteaaa^lalgis rsoesipt of your rjesfs the i^steS ir^mdlrig tried of @?M1: I'^ibitr BsfeTsn.g -sMdi «as; txtms™ Fsitted to s© *hy y*m? H^p^ssaitativtr to tl>,e J.M.tsxi tfetlosss on ao sssst jaerioss ^sttssiticai ^s ^SSK' oessage* as I f?s,'l!'as JSl?tist>er ^-se lias seat sso a s.teilsii* v.-;®sssise3 1 "ap^.-taaiee ivihieh. tS^s Go^es^satet of IMia at'tasiiss to la the bxsaKiitansgs ©ess© assi in ^Iss^ of Its iti^Iie&f a? itie sltt®tiesi in tte© es^ia, 1S^ fefes of SaeUj Kujr.;«r Bsfesaa la slao of gfmfe sffine^psi to a©« tty 2?sms%lcs to r^ssrts c^xjcanuug Ms big trial, ic sefc Stsf&J in ^a si«&^srst i3g^,e osa r_gi- fctSialf by ^ y^-Ltei Sfe£i.ans SKteag^i on SO /aagusto 4 eo^' «f iilils si^s-erri is fg slrase ifee bsglraslns of she espsmts of sh ISIpL* A has*® li-^S'i ^^a^-Bg sgr fewest SADtoi*ts,, xriiSiln s j-giiisr^fci-ari o& t^isa si-fetsatlon tn ^at u I «Lah 'to .^sstw© ,>tM Smt I ste^J. coRlilav^ to 4o i^o,, -^ 3^t"Sis of ^Ub34.ei1^. 3! talsse trii.s ia^po£*t«3itgr to rcaies? 150 T^usr S Sis .20 October 1971 Deal" Mr. A I have the honour to transmit to you herewith a letter dated 20 Gct/j".:»er 1971* vhich I have a/Mresaetl to Her Sceellesiey i Indira Gandhi, Prluc llinister of India. I wuM be if you would kindly fon-mrd this latter to the Prino S-U.nl a tor of India. Accept, J2sccllcn.cy, tlie acsuraiiccsc or t«y hl^licai- consideration. U Bhant His Sscelleney rtr. Samr Sen Atobassador EKAraotrdlimry and Perwanent Representative oi* Indict to the United fJations 3 East (&th Street Ksw Yorlt, H.Y. IOOS1 Qetofcar I9fl OR 19 tfuly 19'? 1, s» Your fxeallaaey vill r#e&ll, I ?i to th« £rs«i to i tills sit'uatlon ccs^id all too cnl.y b«* ^5*ie.strt*BS to , but i&igfet. nl^o c^sstit^str® a jsa^w thr^ftt to . ifee.-? ®i d rfiad both r«c@at tjrwiicationa of a wsreasEicg eitvsatioa of l^sst Jp&kists® *rsi rap^rfca sf ^.rowtai; temsion e» Imlie t^d ea tfea eaaft^-flra lisa® full cs«afl«S«ac« in ta« siacara of laefeh gcr«r»us«ot« to 6 void a sins<fN&e ®»si ^sMstr^tftiT* wsr th* affweta vtitcli l«std»r« on feotfe al&ss feav* sat®, in pr«w«tti**B «|--on th*®, to to op«a eenfllet. IK th rwn bi^n X»Air«, Caafihl Mat«t«r of *> & * 8Seftl*iti«m «»& to fcvoM eoBfrosstfttiGGs thftt i*i#ht lead to . Oa thafccwr^ar so f East FeMrtas 8as& at tfe« Is, of In tt* |ot«r at jroisr «lef«J3®l If that tlia/ ecryldl ts h^lpfutl et any tl.tn». Mstarally th« Clil«f of tSftJQGMP will ceatinwa ts> 4o hla utisiost t© assist la Rg th« p^s«0( J.a th« ar«a ©JT fel» r«ai^>slbiltty« to tk« Jt'r«atd«at t!*i* ovi^oartaaity to i*att«» to lour Escaliasiey of sssy highest fc* fbaat cc: Sec-Gen Mr, Guyer Central. BEU 26 Oetefeer 1971 feesiowr to refer to tha Eiessag® vMcb 2 ©a SO Octolje^ IfTl t© tlss PsrlisHS ISisaister of India asfl ©f EaJdLstam. 1 attaefe for Year lxeeXl©asy*s 0W of the 3wpiy to that message v?felcb I hav?j tJj0 l^siiest of Accept , Bxoelleaicyj tsfee assarsnees of ?^r Mghest considers tioa < U Ms Feiasasaesst Sspasseafe^'&i^@ osf India to tie [email protected] 3 Best H&tfa B.T V . ft* With the Compliments of the Permanent Representative of India to the United Nations 3 East 64th Street New York 21, N. Y. Indian Prime Minister's Press Conference held in New Delhi - October 19, '71 Prime Minister: Shall we start? Well, even though Diwali was subdued I hope you all had a happy Diwali and I give you my good wishes for the season. Now we will start straightaway. Indians first, please. You have to give the name of newspaper or agency. Which side do we start? U.N.I, says we should go subjectwise. I have no objection. What subject are you raising? Question: Madam, would you agree that Pakistan is poised menacingly on our borders and there have been a number of violations - air and land If you agree with me, would you also consider cancellation of your foreign tour? Prime Minister: Answer is Yes and No; that is, you all know — in fact, we get a lot of our information from you — that on our borders there is a massing of Pakistani troops and threatening noises have been made for quite some time now from across the border. Question; When do you propose to declare emergency because of the situation? Prime Minister: I do not know. Question; Based on your information from both sides of the border, how would you assess the likelihood of war in the near future ? Prime Minister: Well, nobody can prophesy this. We can only say that we have been doing and we will continue to do everything possible to avoid armed conflict. But as the first questioner said that situation is a grave one and all along the borders troops have been brought closer to border on the other side with the result that naturally in interest of our own defence, we have also to look to our interests. Question: May I draw your attention to the interview given by President Yahya Khan to a French paper in which he has said that he is prepared to discuss with Indian leaders? Prime Minister: I have not seen that particular interview. But the question is what is there to discuss between India and Pakistan. As you know, the problem is not Indo-Pakistan problem. The problem is between the military regime of West Pakistan and the people and accepted, elected represent- atives of the people of Bangla Desh. Any solution which is found must satisfy the people of Bangla Desh and as I said, the. people whom they elected not too long ago to represent them. Question: Madam Prime Minister - would you like to make any comments on the Four-Point conditions placed by the Bangla Desh Government for a political situation? Do you think these conditions are reasonable for an amicable solution? Prime Minister: The problem is their problem. It is no use my commenting on what they say and they do not say. Question: Have there been any suggestions from the Great Powers notably US and Soviet Union, how to meet the present situation? If so, what is our attitude? Prime Minister: So far, there have been no specific suggestions. As you know, everybody admires our restraint. But as I said the other day, we get verbal praise and the others who are not restrained get arms support. Question: Madam Prime Minister - You just now said everyone admires our restraint. But how long are we going to restrain ourselves because 9. 5 million people have come into our country. Our economy is in doldrums and the people are restive really. Prime Minister: To take the last part of your question. First, I think the people of India are - except for a few politicians or parties which are trying to incite them - I think by and large, the people of India are united and I think they realize that the Government is tackling the problem in a sobre and balanced way and the Government will never let down the interests of the country or of the people. Question: Madam Prime Minister - During your forthcoming talks in Washington, would you impress upon Mr Nixon to stop supplying arms to Pakistan? Prime Minister: Well, I do not know what you mean by the word 'impress' Obviously, when one goes to a country one of the main purposes of going and meeting leaders is to try and give them a better understanding of the situation in our country and how we see things because every country sees things from a particular angle. Now those countries that are far off they may not have been able to visualise the real conditions here. 3 - Question: As is well known, the signing and ratification of the Indo- Soviet Treaty has been hailed throughout the world? How do you assess the Treaty's contribution to assurance of peace and security in Asia? Prime Minister: Well, I have already expressed myself on this subject many times. Any treaty which is aimed at something positive, thit is peace, friendship, cooperation, does create that atmosphere because this treaty is not against any country or any region and, therefore, I think it has helped to strengthen us and strengthen our friendship. Question: It is not yet clear to many in India what exact solution the Government has in mind about Bangla Desh problem? Prime Minister: I do not think these things can be spelt out in very precise terms. Question: Considering the high cost of relief operations in regard to refugees and considering the danger that there may be very huge deficit created, do you think there will be supplementary- budget to tax people so that the deficits may be narrowed down and price structure may be maintained? Prime Minister: Perhaps, you are all aware that the Finance Minister had a meeting with the Chief Ministers and they tried to devise the means for further mobilisation of resources. Question: You might recall that you had said thtit within six months the Bangla Desh issue would be resolved. Do you think that the period is over or would you need more time? Prime Minister; This is one of those typical press mis-statements because at no time have I said that the problem would be over in six months. When I spoke in Parliament, I gave the figure that six months would cost us so much. That does not at all mean that it will be over in six months. I took both figures of cost as well as the period of six months from, I think, some team which had come here from outside - I forget which it was. Question: Would you like to give time ? Prime Minister: No Question: General Yahya Khan has been maintaining from the beginning that there should befindo-Pakistan dialogue. Now after moving troops to border, he has in fact created tension between India and Pakistan. Would you say that he is succeeding in his aim of bringing about if not war between 4 - India and Pakistan at least dialogue? Prime Minster : This is rather intriguing that you should put dialogue and war as almost synonymous, because - there is very great difference. As you know, it is we who have been wanting to say that all Indo-Pakistan problems can be discussed and perhaps suitable solutions found by negotiation and talks. Put this does not include Bangla Desh because that is , as I said, not an Indo-Pakistan problem. There are many other problems which have existed. You know about unilateral steps which we had taken with regard to return of cargo and so on after the fighting in 1965. But we had no response from them. So there are many such points which could have been taken and which would have helped in normalisation of relations. Question: Charlie Chaplain and Andre Malraux, two great men of Europe, have paid rich tributes to you in their memoires. One of them awaits your visit to France. What do you think of Andre Malrauxrs offer to take up arms to defend the cause of Bangla Desh? Prime Minister: Naturally, one can only admire somebody who is moved to action by the situation there. Question: Pakistan has usually been saying all the time that, while they would like foreign agencies like U.N. etc. to be involved in solution of this problem and specially refugees, they allege that we have been refusing it. What is your reaction? General Yahya Khan said the other day also that he was willing to involve U. N. with these operations. Prime Minister: First of all, there is very great difference as to what is happening on that side of the border. We already have 10 representatives of U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees. Botder and all refugee camps are perfectly open for press people, for members of Parliament who have come from many different countries ranging from Japan on one side through Europe on to Canada, USA, Latin America, New Zealand and the Middle East. All these people have visited and are visiting the camps and the border. Therefore, obviously, there is nothing that we want to hide or we can hide in a sort of society which we have in India. Therffore, it is a valid question why do we object to United Nations formally sending observers? Well, because we see no need for them. What is the purpose of their coming here? It is said that they will come and see why the refugees are not returning. Now it seems to me rather ridiculous question when every day 35, 000 - 40, 000 - 42, 000 are coming. This is the reason why they are not returning. Quite honestly, if you put yourself in a situation where you have escaped to avoid atrocity, to save your life and sought shelter and are living in most difficult condition not at all in comfort of any kind, well you can only go back if you are convinced that the situation has changed. But when more people are coming with same sort of atrocity stories, you cannot possibly go back. So, the first thing for the United Nations if it wants to do anything, is to see that conditions are created in Bangla Desh within Bangla Desh, which will guarantee the return of refugees in safety and dignity. Then is the next step. Then they could approach us and say: Look, we have done this, will you allow us to come and persuade your refugees. At that stage, certainly, the matter can be considered. Question: With the situation developing as it is today, what would be your strategy defensive or offensive? Prime Minister: I think that the strategy is hardly discussed at press conference, if you will forgive me. Question: According to newspaper reports, the Chinese Prime Minister, Chou-En-Lai, said on October 5 about treaties: "In nutshell our position is to take these treaties on the basis of some adjustment we are actually accepting these treaties Don't you think that this is definite advancement from the earlier Chinese position? Prime Minister: I do not know which earlier Chinese position you are referring to, because I think that there has been very gradual change of attitude for quite some time. I do not think that this is sudden spurt. Question; Do . you think India and China can exchange full-fledged ;Ambassadors? Prime Minister: There is no reason why it should not. Question: When are you going to grant de jure recognition to Bangla Desh? Prime Minister: Well, I do not know . .. when I think the time is ripe for it. Question: There is a great deal of fear in West and possibly in India with armies on both sides of accidental war starting. Is there any safeguard to prevent accident like this happening? Prime Minister: In answer to a previous question, I have already said that we certain* do not want to because of which war situation may develop but this is not one-sided matter. As somebody has said, you cannot shake hands with clenched fist. Question: Would it help to defuse the present confrontation with Pakistan and if any third country like Yugoslavia tries to mediate? Prime Minister: On what subject will any country mediate ? This is what I have not been able to understand. There is liberation struggle in Bangla Desh. What is the point of mediating with us? That problem has to be solved there. We are only concerned because of the struggle because of the atrocities, 13 per cent of the population of Bangla Desh is now on Indian soil. Question: President Yahya Khan is reported to have offered mutual withdrawal of troops from border. Would you be prepared to accept that or is position as Defence Minister was quoted as saying the other day that Indian troops will not pull back from border unless Bangla Desh problem is settled? Prime Minister: It seems very simple and plausible to say that Pakistani troops will withdraw. But situation has not begun a week ago. It has been escalating position, the said escalating situation and as I said Pakistani forces all along the line, their hate India campaign, their call for war of 'Jehad' on basis of religion — all these things have to be considered. You just cannot ignore them and say: We will remove troops. Furthermore, Pakistan's sort of line of withdrawal is very close to the borders whereas ours is very far. So all these things have to be taken into consideration. Question: Is there anything that the Great Powers could do - Soviet Union, United States - to help lessen tension between this country and Pakistan? Prime Minister: They can help to solve the problem in Bangla Desh. •Question: In view of the threatening posture of Pakistan, what type of defence preparedness would you like civilians to attain? Should we not activise Central Citizens' Council and such other organizations with a view to galvanise our efforts to defeat enemies of the country? Prime Minister: I already spoke on this question in Simla. By the way Citizens Central Council has been in existence and it has been working in times of flood ordrought or other such calamities but we do need greater discipline amongst our citizens and their involvement in whatever is happening . I think that all our peoples organisations, non-political especially, should help citizens council or in other ways try to see to it. Most important thing to my mind is thfet whenever such a situation arise, there are some anti-social elements who either try to spread rumours which will lead to communal situation or give rise to hoarding and these anti-social activities must be dealt with very severely. Question: Did you have some discussions about your assessment of the Chinese situation, Chinese policy and what is President Tito's assessment of Chinese policy and do you come together on some joint assessment? Prime Minister: I can only say that our views were broadly similar. Question: I would like to know after hearing the recent broadcast of Yahya Khan do you think he has any chances to attain his plan for handing over power to materialise ? Prime Minister: This is again a question for the people of that region but I think setting up puppet government is not going to be the solution. Question; Bangla Desh people have declared unequivocally that they want independence and by your answer now it seems that you want that Pakistan and Bangla Desh have to settle it among themselves. Do you think there is solution possible in this position taken by Bangla Desh and Pakistan? Prime Minister: Even if they have independence, it is settlement with Pakistan. Is it not? That is different way of arriving at settlement but it is settlement. Question: What is the priority for your Government as far as refugees are concerned? Is it to get more aid from inter= national community or is it to force Pakistan to create political conditions so that the refugees could return to their homeland? Prime Minister: We have asked for aid only because this financial burden of looking after over nine million people is tremendous one but we are quite definite in our mind that these people are here on temporary basis. We cannot allow them to settle in India. Therefore, the sooner they go back, the less chance there will be of any kind of conflagration. Question: About the assistance we give to the freedom fighters in Bangla Desh, may I take it that it will not be stopped under external pressure? Prime Minister; The freedom fighters have many resources. There are a large number of Bangla Desh citizens all over the world who are helping them with money and other resources. Question: Can you describe to me what kind of gesture Pakistan can possibly make as a first step towards reducing concentration of troops on the Indian side of border? 8 Prime Minister: The first step is to stop their atrocities in Bangla Desh to try and create conditions where accepted and elected representatives who were elected by, I think, perhaps the biggest majority ever, in free elections, because this election was won under President Yahya Khan's military regime. So, there can be no doubt that it was fair and free election. I think that that election cannot be ignored when you are thinking of any solution. Question: Recently, certain disclosures have been made in US Congress about some clandestine arms deals between Pakistan and United States. Are you going to take up this issue with America because certain arms have been sent contrary to the embargo and assurance given to the Government of India. Are you going to take up this issue with US? Prime Minister: Such things, if true, are always taken up by Foreign Office. Question: What is their attitude? Prime Minister: Whose attitude? Question: American,What is the reaction? Prime Minister: Well, I mean . . . Question: The Defence Minister said the other day that, if Pakistan forces were on us, we will not hesitate to occupy Pakistani territory and will stay put. Will you assure the nation that even if there is another Tashkent Agreement, we will not do that? Prime Minister: I will not answer hypothetical questions. Question: In view of the fact that we have taken sufficient steps to meet the Pakistani threat, are there any indications in last few days that Pakistan is revising her attitude, that is President Yahya Khan's interview with Le Monde and discussions he is supposed to have had with President Podgorny in Tehran? Prime Minister: I have not seen his interview, I have no indication whether his views are changing. Question: There are some misgivings already in press and in political parties that the Indo-Soviet treaty will lead to some sort of curtailment of India's nuclear development programme. In this connection, would .vou tell us what exactly is the progress in studying the feasibility of ^ ^y 01 underground - 9 - nuclear explosions for mineral exploitation etc? Prime Minister: Firstly, two things are not even remotely connected. You said something that there are some missgivings I -would like to repeat •what I said earlier: There are no mis- givings in public mind. There are some interested newspapers, some interested political parties who are trying their very best to spread such rumours. But I do not think the public of India is going to give credence to them. No foreign country can curtail of our programmes or prevent us from doing what we consider to be in national interest. I have said this. I do not know how many times and I am prepared to say this as many times as you like more and no kind of provocation from these parties or these news- papers is going to make difference to my language or my stand. Question: (Indistinct) May I change subject? Prime Minister: What is not my service? Floor is yours. Question: In this Ganguli episode will you please tell us who is to be blamed more - Chairman or Minister? Prime Minister: There is no question of blame. Obviously services are there to carry our' certain programmes. These are not little empires of people. Question: Do you approve of delinking of Ganguli*s coach at Serai Rohilla? Prime Minister: I am not interested whether it was or was not. I do not know what happened. I am not at all interested. Question: (not distinct): There was headline story that Chandrashekhar's election was little bit of set back to you personally. How far is it true? I was not there I do not know. Prime Minister: I think you are fully capable of assessing situation without being there. But I think that there is no question of setback to somebody's personality. I do not know how you can give set back to personality anyway because my personality is in my hands. No- body else can change my personality. Whether my personality grows or is diminishing depends on my actions not on what somebody else does. - 10 - So far as Chandra Shekhar*s election is concerned it was free and fair election. He has won it and we welcome him as member of Election Committee. Question: Madam Prime Minister what steps Government proposes to take to check the steep rise in the prices? Prime Minister: There are two sides - question of demand and question of supply. On side of demand we are adopting certain v>, i * on both sides practically we are adopting policies - fiscal and other- wise - which we hope will make some impact. Question: I want to know can you not resort to price freeze? Prime Minister: The whole question is being gone into in great depth in consultation with various people States and so on. Question: What may be your assessment of general economic situation in the country and the impact of refugee problem on the fulfilment of economic programmes of the country - first of all fourth Five Year Plan? Prime Minister: Obviously strain on our economy is extremely severe one and we are trying our best to see that Plan goes through. But it is very very difficult situation. Question: "Would you meet Pakistan President if you could avoid war by it? Prime Minister: You see I am prepared to meet anybody if thereby something is solved. But here is the question which affects some other people. They are not affecting India or Indian people basically I mean. This is the side effect of a problem.' You cannot say . I will solve fringe of the problem when you are not tackldng the cause of it. Question: Madam Prime Minister what can you say about prospect of ensuring peace and justice in the Middle East and Indo China? Prime Minister: In Indo China situation is changing. But in the Middle East it remains just as grave and it is ironic that while there are so many steps for detente in Europe conflicts in Asia continue and grow. Question: What is the Government's intention regarding legislation about diffusion of ownership? Is - 11 - it likely to come in the next session? Prime Minister: We cannot say whether it is or not because it has to "be fully gone into. Some difficulties have been pointed out. But the Government is committed to doing something about this problem. As you know there has been great deal of dissatisfaction on this account. Question: It was announced that the press conference •will last for forty five minutes. Question: May I ask Madam. In view of some of measures you have taken to improve situation regarding science and technology in the country and to give employment to technicians and engineers who are already unemployed in many cases would you tell us whether steps are adequate enough to ensure technology to grow and solve unemployment problem of engineers? Prime Minister: Nobody has said that unemployment problem will be solved. All we can do is to take some steps towards its solution. That is step by step you employ more people and gradually problem is solved. I think that our employment programmes have made some impact but it is difficult to have full picture until little later on. Question: Is your Government chinking in terms of putting freeze on wages and income to meet present economic crisis? Prime Minister: I have answered this. As I said we are looking at it from all angles as to what is possible and what will help in present situation. Question: Madam Prime Minister now that you are going on foreign tour and if there is going to be war against India would you give an assurance that security of the country is safe in the hands of the army? Prime Minister: The country is perfectly safe in the hands of the army and if I may say so, of people themselves. Our people have shown maturity and soundness of attitude which I think is rare in the world. I think they can be trusted to look after this country with the help of defence forces and all of us. - 12 - Question: Madam Prime Minister: Are you going to introduce any legislation on monopoly press Bill? Prime Minister: He just asked question. We said that there is a draft bill. It is under consideration and has to be discussed further. Question: Will you put an end to this speculation about the Cabinet reshuffle? Prime Minister: I do not think I should deny you that occupation. You seem to be otherwise not too occupied because this question crops up every month or so. Question: We heard about the proposal to bring legislation to ban some of the communal parties. We would like to know at what stage is that? Prime Minister: I do not know myself. Question: What is the Union Government's assessment of military chances of the Mukti Bahini? Prime Minister: Mukti Bahini may not have military strength of West Pakistani armed forces in Bangla Desh., But they have with them entire population of Bangla Desh. I do not think anybody can under- estimate the flame of freedom which is burn- ing in the hearts of East Bengali people. History has shown that such battles for freedom may have setback but they are always won. Question: May I know what is the latest position on the part of the Government with regard to diffusion of ownership of newspapers? Prime Minister: This is the fourth time this is being put. I just replied to this twice or three times. I said the matter is under consideration. Various people are giving their viewpoints and so on. ^ Question: Is it discussion paper or bill - what is it? Prime Minister: It is draft bill and therefore if we feel that something needs to be changed we can change it. There can be discussion on draft bill or complete bill for that matter. Question: Despite professing dynamic non-alignment how is it that you have not still established full diplomatic relations with North Vietnam and German Democratic Republic? - 13 - Prime Minister: I do not think this is at all involved -with non-alignmentpr dynamism of any kind. I think we are very closely in touch •with both these countries. We have good relations "With them. "We have similarity of outlook on many questions and our relationship has been becoming closer. As to recognition it again is a question of timing. Question: I would like to go back to Ganguli episode. Do you think that Union Railway Ministry has handled Ganguli episode the way it should have been handled? Are you quite satisfied? Prime Minister; Now you see this is one of those questions that "when did you stop beating your wife" sort of thing? Whatever you say you are caught in something or other. Question is not whether it has been handled properly or not. In human relations there always is room for improvement no matter at what level or what stage. The whole country is facing very difficult and grave situation which we have been discussing in this press conference. Now this is the time when there must be extremely good coordination amongst all people concerned and the railways have to play very important part. Question: Would you kindly assess your talks with President Tito? fc Prime Minister: As you know President Tito is/friend an old friend of India^ and we have had extremely close relationship with him for many many years. We have worked together closely on problems of non-aligned countries and so any visit of his to this country is welcome and to us is most useful. We have had very very friendly and cordial talks covering wide range of subjects and as somebody has remarked here we each of us gave assessment of our view of events as they were unfolding in the world. Question: As regards draft bill for diffusion of owner- ship of newspapers is press Council going to be consulted before it is introduced in Parliament? Prime Minister: Honestly I do not know whether it has beenor , But even after it is introduced in Parliament there is room for consultation. It does not close consultation. - 14 - Question: "What do you hope to accomplish in your talks with President Nixon? Prime Minister: These visits are not undertaken to accomplish anything. You do not have set goal which you must attain. I am going to USA as to other countries on my itinerary in response to long standing invitations. Main purpose is exchangi of views. Today the world situation is changing quite fast and I think it is very important for Heads of Government to keep in personal touch with thinking of other leaders and other countries. So far as I am concerned this is my only rason. Question: Madam Prime Minister what is the situation on India - China border? Is there any concentration of Chinese troops on our border? My second question is did you receive any reply from Premier Chou-en-Lai? Prime Minister: I have not received any reply and I do not think there is any great concentration. There are some Chinese troops along Tibetan border. I think this is really the last question. So you think deeply before you put it. Question: On the eve of your visit to these countries would you like to say has there been any material change in the attitude of internation al community in general and the countries you are visiting in particular vis-a-vis Bangla Desh? Prime Minister: I do not know what you mean by "material change". I do not think there has been any material change. You know war is such a terrible thing that every country would like to avoid war especially since one does not know what it will lead to. There has been tendency lately of fighting once it began going on and on and involving more people and more countries also. I am not saying any of thfe will or even may happen but only that every country in the world does feel that this is the situation which if it can be avoided should be avoided. "We entirely agree that everything should be done to avoid this situation. But since we are facing conse- quences of what is happening in Bangla Desh since we have not only tremendous economic burden when we are least able to bear such burden and when it is not only an economic question- but it is creating other tensions - social tensions, political tensins in area or - 15 - our country which is very sensitive at best of time "Which is full of problems at best of time therefore we have to view this in the perspective but also keeping in view our national interest, peace, security and stability of our Eastern region. Question: "Will you tell us about latest situation on border? Is it really very very grave? Prime Minister; I do not know whether you want me to give list of exactly what troops are amassed there. Because if so I am not going to do it. Question: The High Command of your party has been bringing about certain structural changes in the party for last few months. Assembly elections are due in March. Of late we read reports which are similar to developments which were hallmark in old party that is differences between this group and that group have already started. You as un- challenged leader of the party do you feel satisfied that the party will be able to put its best foot forward within month or so "because tickets etc. will start in another month? Prime Minister: Well, as we know that whatever solid party is Question: Before you anser this question Madam Prime Minister: I think we are starting new precedent (laughter) (hear hear) . Question: "We are told conference will start at ten o clock. Why did you start earlier? Prime Minister: "Why? Did I start earlier? Question: Yes Why you started five minutes earlier? Prime Minister: "Well, I am sorry I did not look at my watch. I just came and I thought it was ten O clock. I do not think that you have missed much. Question: It is very unfortunate. Ministers and others sitting behind you have given you wrong advice Prime Minister: May be it is my eagerness to get together with you. I was saying that no matter how solid party is in any country there are group rivalries, there are personal ambitions. This is just part of political\life in demo- cratic system/ I do not think\this necessarily - 16 - weakens party. I personally have no doubt that the party will stand solid at time of elections and will sink its differences and that all people will work together not merely for elections which are just means but for implementing programmes and pledges which we have made to our people. Now thank you very much gentlemen and ladies. <-T- .„ ,, , PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVE OF INDIA TO THE UNITED NATIONS 3 EAST 64TH STREET NEW YORK 21, N. Y. No0PR/l/71(13) November 16, 1971 Dear Mr Secretary-General, I enclose the text of reply from my Prime Minister to your letter of 20th October. This reply has been received by telegram. IIK+* ( So Sen ) His Excellency U Thant Secretary-General United Nations„ New York. Text of Message from the Prime Minister of India, Shrimati Indira Gandhi to His Excellency U Thant, Secretary-General, United Nations. Excellency, Your letter of the 20th October was received two days before my departure on a long tour abroad. It was not possible to reply until my return to Delhi. My trip gave me the opportunity of discussing the crisis in Pakistan with a number of leaders in different countries. 2. We have avoided any hasty reaction to the recent events in Pakistan which have naturally caused you and us great concern. I am sure you will appreciate our anxiety as the military authorities in Pakistan continue to pursue a deliberate policy of suppressing the fundamental freedom and human rights of the people in East Bengal and driving out millions of their citizens into India, thus placing intolerable political, social and economic burdens on us. In spite of the repeated declarations of amnesty, and "invitations" for the return of the refugees and claims regarding the return of normal conditions in East Bengal made by the military regime of Pakistan, the flight of the people of East Bengal into India has not stopped and provides tragic testimony to the continuing military repression and denial of basic human rights in East Bengal. The consequences of the activities of the military regime of Pakistan threaten and distort the entire fabric of our national life and pose a serious threat to our security. 3. Consistent attempts have been made by the Government of Pakistan to divert attention from the prevailing situation inside East Bengal and its own refusal to reach a settlement with the people of East p.2 ... CC; - 2 - Bengal and their representatives who were elected in a fair and free election held by the present Government of Pakistan by projecting the issue as an Indo- Pakistan dispute. The most recent manifestation of this policy is the movement of Pakistani troops and armour to our borders, threatening India with total war, and simultaneously launching a vicious crush and conquer India campaign. These steps confirm our belief that Pakistan is seriously preparing to launch a large-scale armed conflict with India and that we have therefore to take all necessary defensive measures. 4. I should like to assure you, Excellency, that we have no desire to provoke an armed conflict with Pakistan. Such measures as we have taken are entirely defensive. We have been constrained to take them because of the movement and positioning for offensive combat of the Pakistani military machine. Ws have had to bear in mind that Pakistan has moved her forces right up to the border although the cantonments where they are normally based are only a few hours distance from the border, while the bases of our own troops are located at several days distance. Indeed, we waited long enough before we moved our troops to the frontiers. 5. The root of the problem is the fate of the seventyfive million people of East Bengal and their inalienable rights. This is what must be kept in mind, instead of the present attempt to save the military regime. To sidetrack this main problem and to convert it into an Indo- Pakistan dispute can only aggravate tensions. 6. During these difficult months, we have taken every opportunity to advocate strongly that the problem of East Bengal can be solved only by peaceful negotiations between the military rulers of West Pakistan and the elected and accepted leaders of East Bengal. A first p.3 ... - 3 - step towards the opening of such negotiations is the release of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, as demanded by the people of East Bengal and their elected representatives. Instead, there is an attempt to establish phantom governments and legislatures. Indeed, I learn that fiftyfive persons have been declared elected "unopposed. " Such undemocratic and entirely indefensible action cannot but increase bitterness. This farcical re-election should be stopped. 7. . If the military regime in Pakistan persists in its policies, the situation in East Bengal is bound to deteriorate. Yet, there is no evidence of the wisdom or the desire necessary to seek a political solution of the problem. I believe that statesmen of goodwill all over the world are convinced that only such a solution could bring normalcy to that tormented region, stop the further influx of refugees and enable those now in India to return. You yourself have made several statement emphasising the need for such a settlement. It is tragic that the Pakistan Government have turned a deaf ear to all such appeals. Your offer of good offices could play a significant role in this situation. 8. It is always a pleasure to meet you and to exchange views. Whatever efforts you can make to bring about a political settlement in East Bengal which meets the declared wishes of the people there, will be welcome, and if you are prepared to view the problem in perspective, you will have our support in your initiatives. 9. I have stated my views frankly. It would not be fair to you not to do so,, for I know how anxious you are to prevent the aggravation of the grim tragedy of East Bengal. I had hoped to discuss these matters with you in New York but was very sorry to learn of your illness. I hope that you are quite well again. With warm regards, Yours sincerely, 16 November, 1971. Indira Gandhi. A ; » BEU/tad 22 Sbromtor 2.971 Excellency, I bave the honour to transmit to you hsiravith a to tbe latter of 16 Sovmbar 1971 vbicfe Ser Sxoelleasy Shriisatl lodlra Gandhi, Prime Minister of India, eddrassed to me. I 0ho«ld 1>« gratefal If you would kindly forva*4 i U Themt Sis Excellency Mr* Bwmt Sett Extraordlnmry and of Isdie to tfc» 3 Eaat 6^tH Street Sev l&s&t B.T cc: Sec-Gen President of Seoco Mr. Kutakov Mr. Guyer **• 22 Excellency, I have the honour to acknowledge receipt of your letter of 16 Sovemtosr 1971 in vhleh you send we your reply to my letter of 20 October 1971• I appreciate tha thoughtful and detailed exposition of the views of Your Excellency'a Government concerning the situation utoiaa gava rias to ray offer of good offices, and, In particular. Your Excellency's statement that your Government baa no desire to provoke en armed conflict with P&Mstan. I asi, however, puazled by the reference in paragraph 5 of Your Excellency's letter to "the present attempt to save the military regime " of Pakistan and "by the statement that "To sidetrack thle main problem and to convert it into em lado-Pakistan dispute can only aggravate te&aleaa". X am also ptuusled tgr the statement la paragraph 3 tnet If I am prepared to "view the problem in perspective" Z shall have the support of the Indian Government. In viev of these statement®, I feel obliged to mke clear to Tour EKcelleaey ray intentions In offering my good offices. My letter of SO October vae deliberately written in the context of ray Busmorandu of SO July 1971 addressed to the President of the Security Council which took into Account those aspects of the situation which Tour Excellency mentions in your letter. In fact 2 had intended that this tnetaorendum vould aerve as the term of reference for the exereiae of A- Ear Shrlnsti Indira Gandhi Prim® Mlnlater of Is&ia Delhi, India EOT good offices. I had naturally intended to Tlev tMa vary sarlouu sltoatloa in tha broadest possible perspective and had hoped to have tha opportunity to review It with the leaders of both Governments. It vae not my intention to sidetrack any of tha rala issues nor to confine the problem to any single particular laaua, although QEtorally, as Secretary-General, I cannot under ttoa Charter ignore a potential threat to international peace and security aoeh an now eeems to eKiat in the sub-continent. Aa Tour Excellency knows, the «xoreie« of good offices requires tha assent and co-opsration of all the parties concerned. Under the present circumstances,ranc ht o ray regret, there does not eeem to b« a basis for the exercise of the Secretary-General's stood offices In this infinitely serious and complicated problem. Accept, SKsellonoy, the ansurances of my highaat ccmsideration. O "ftant UNITED NATIONS OFFICE OF PUBLIC INFORMATION EXTERNAL RELATIONS DIVISION J INFORMATION SUPPORT SECTION * (For Secretariat Use Only) 2U November 1971 f (Third Report) | SPECIAL REPORT ON THE FRENCH LANGUAGE PRESS | $ I INDIA HINIMEING INCIDENTS TO AVOID INTERNATIONALIZATION OF CONFLICT WITH PAKISTAN | AFP-lU5,ll»6 I NEW DELHI, 2k NOVEMBER " | I RELIABLE CIRCLES IN NEW DELHI THINK THAT THE LIBERATION OF "BANGIA DESK'1 f f (EASTERN PAKISTAN) COULD BE ACHIEVED IN THE TWO OR THREE COMING M0NTHS. I THE SAME CIRCLES UNDERLINE THAT THE DECLARATION MADE ON WEDNESDAY BY MRS. f INDIRA GANDHI TO THE EFFECT THAT THE INDIAN KJRCES HAVE DESTROYED ON SUNDAY \ 't- is PAKISTANI TANKS IN THE REGION OF BOYRA OPENS A NEW PHASE IN THE CONFRONT- \ ATION BETWEEN INDIA AMD PAKISTAN. WHAT THE PRIME MINISTER MEAKST, IT IS \ ADDED, WAS TO MAKE IT CLEAR THAT INDIA WOULD NO LONGER CLOSE ITS EYES TO > INCIDENTS BRING INTO CONFLICT, ON HER FRONTIER OR ON HER OWN TERRITORY, \ THE .MUKJTJ 3AHINI TO THE PAKISTANI UNITS. THESE CIRCLES BELIEVE THAT MRS. \ GANDHI'S INTERVENTION SEEMS TO CONSTITUTE A FIRST STEP TOWARDS THE ffiCOGNITION OF AN INDEPENDENT "BANGIA DESH". • THE PREVAILING IMPRESSION AMONG INDIAN AND FOREIGN OBSERVERS IS, HOWEVER, .'*% «*, 3 December 1971 Message from Mrs. Gandhi to the Secretary-General (delivered orally to Urquhart by Nagfendra Singh at 1.30 p.m., 3 December 1971) 1. Subsequent to Pakistani air attacks on Pathankot, Srinagar and Amritsar in the afternoon of 2 December, there were three further Pakistani air attacks on the morning of 3 December on Faridkot (Punjab), Jaisalmer (Rajasthan) and Jodhpur (Rajasthan). 2. A special session of the Indian Parliament has been convened for 4 December. 3. The Prime Minister is broadcasting to the nation at midnight tonight. 4. Pakistani sources have reported that India has launched an attack on o West Pakistan. This is totally false. 'i cc: Sec-Gen f Mr. Guyer Mr. Stavropoulos BEU/MD Mr. Henry Mr. Urquhart Mr. Sherry Central Secretary-General of the tFaited nations presents his compliments to the Permanent Representative of India to the United Nations and has the honour to refer to certain developments which took place on 5 December in relation to ships participating in the United Nations homanitarian relief effort in East Pakistan. 3ten "rainlbulkers", owned 'by Seres Shipping, Inc., under Greek registry, have been transporting food supplies under the auspices of the United Nations Bast Pakistan Belief Operation (IMEPRO). Uhe United Nations controls the movement and operations of these ships, which fly the United Nations flag and are fitted •with large markings on their bows specifying that they carry humanitarian relief supplies provided under the auspices of the United Jfatioas. As a result of recent events, these vessels were instructed to leave East Pakistan harbours, anchorages and other -waters and to proceed to the U1BFSO staging area at Singapore. At 1950 hours New York time on 5 December, the President of Seres Shipping, tfhich maintains constant wireless contact with these ships, informed the United Nations that the "minibulker" 'Minilady' had been attacked in international waters by Indian Air fores aircraft. Fortunately there were no casualties, but the ship ¥as damaged. Bepresentations were promptly made on behalf of the Secretary- General at United Nations Headquarters to the Deputy Permanent •Representative of India to the United BEations, who ^as requested urgently to corarauMcate with the appropriate authorities of the Indian dovemmeat \?ith a view to ensuring immunity from hostile attack for these ships. ** C* ***' A few hours later, the 'Minilady1 and the 'Miniloaf* , both proceeding to Singapore} vere challenged by Indian Havy craft at SO^lS* I latitude, 90°25' 2 longitude. The tt» "misibulkers" 'had made a rendezvous at sea in order to enable the 'Mlniloaf ' to refuel her sister ship. The *Miailady' was carrying, in addition to its ere**?, 36 Sree-k seamen "who had been stranded In ChaJLna- Khuln& after the sinking of two Greek merchant ships in tlie area. Indian Bavy personnel boarded both vessels and gave orders to the Captains to follow an Indian 'warship, $feis incident -was immediately brougat to the attention of tbe Perstaneat Representative of India witn a request for the iraeclia'fce rsleas© of the teo ^hip®. It has S-ijice boea learned that both 'vessels were escorted to Calcutta. A fortner incident involving set ion by the Indian Air Force oeourred at 1^00 hours on 6 Becember, ^ben the 'Minilabour' 0 strafed and bombed at Sl°51* & latitude 91 50' E longitude? apprexi- 10 raile0 south of CMttagong. When the Master of the 'Miailabour * , •srtiieh had been ualoadiag grain, received instructions to proceed to Slng&pave^ fee tnade a smpid cie^rture, anet several Sakletsiai stevedores reseiaed on board. ^Kae *Mai labour* had gone to a landing area soath of Chittagong for the purpose of discharging these rasa when she isas stt acted by Indian aircraft. As a result of the attack, the 'Minilaboar* is disabled, her engines are out of order snd she is unable to move under her otm power. 5feb@ Secretary-General is obliged to protest in the strongest terms against these attacks on civilian vessels flying the United Ifetioes flag, carrying United fattens markings, and operating under United Nations auspices for husjanitarl&ttt relief purposes. Th fhe Seeretary-Saneral further requests the Sovernraent of India to arrange for the prompt release of the 'Minilady1 and the 'Miniloaf% together with their crews, and to ensure the safe passage of these vessels to the staging area at Singapore. *£he Secretary-General reserves the right to revert at a later date to the question of adequate compensation for the damage sustained "by these vessels while operating under United Bations auspices. 1?hQ Secretary-General takes this opportunity to renew to the Permanent Representative of India the assurances of his highest consideration* 6 Deeeraber 1971 Seeretary-Cteaeral of tha Cfelted Satioas pyasaats his to the ?®maiaent HeprsssntstlT® of ludis, to ttoa Waited Nations sad has the honour to refsr to Me statement made at t&« SQOJrd masting of the General Assa^sly oa 7 Seeembss1 1971 relating to tha preasat situation is the Sssfc* Ceasi-isest. la that statement tfea Sscretafy-Ssaeral &,pp@al«& to all the parties to ths conflict, a© jsatter ^hat their ellagiaace, to take evary p©ssi"bl© iseamire to spare ttis lives of the isaoceat ciidHaa population ^bdeh is efflicted sad ttereateaM 1>y ths present hostilities. In this aoasasxloa tfee Seeratary-^enersl IMle^teS tbat b® was jsaintaitttng clos® contact with th© Xntsraaticmal CkssKnittea of tfea Be€ Cross ^feicb, IK its traditional rol®, ^?o«ld enieavear tes Iiaglemaa t as fally as possible the of the dsa^vs ComfQStlons. ffce Bseretarjr-Seneral appsalafl to all pasties to o^eeyv® ttm t®rsts of tbos® C'osvffiitioBe ami to So their utmost to -assure tbst tb© gree^Bt davsicp&gSite tifl not give rise to yefe ssasaleais saerifics of human livas SB a vast acale. fhe Saerats want oa to say that as a practical as&tter, lit bafl instructed hie in Beoce to SKsmlae us-geatly, ia full eo*oper@tion witb the IntsrEatioaal practical aeasuj'0® could fee tafc*3Q to this «sd* Finally, reference mads to tbe Sacratarj-0en$ral*s efforts to arraags for ths av&caation of fefc&eae aaa other iateraati^usJ. psrstma©! asS t© ths interiEi measures to fc« tafees for tfeelr ssfa*^. In tills eonneslta., the Saes-etary-Gsseral hopes that It willfe ®possibl e to set «p ue^tral sos.es is Bacca at Uhiied latioas %iis«-^sr3, the tis&stal aotel, the Sely Fasily Hospital and other sui table places, of establisfeisg the Bgistsr&l ^oats i» to ®«ta1?lislj a Uiasa of for the halted SatioMS aad the Inteyaatiooal Bad Cross, Is e sf the d&j®etlT@e jaentioa®d in the §®eretary-§ea@;rai* s ,/S •v 9- of ? BeesBjbaTj, &nd also to provide a temporary safe havan for the stranded evacuee groups. It is dbviows that the fall GO-opes-atios of all th$ parties to th© present conflict is required for th® success of tha abovs therefore tha Seerst&ry-demeral is sealing the eos-op-stratioa of the Ooverament of India to tska all necessary measures to help the Hat ions as& the Imt@3>aatioaal Se«X Cross in this endeavour for the duratieu of tha gree^st hostilities. It is aleo hopsd that in th® spirit of the Geasva Cosvemtiens, th® IMversal Beclaraticm of Btasaaa Eights, 6ea@ral ieB^sibly BesolutioB 2675 (XKV) of 9 December 1979 ea feasic principles for th® protection of civilian population in srisad eoEfllct, sasa, of ecmr&e Oesaeral Assembly Eeeolutioa 2?95 (SX¥J) urtiieh th© Assembly adopted last night, they will ensure that the designated areae should B0t Ibe the object ®f military ogaratioas. 5Sje Seoretary-Seasrel avails himself of this opportunity to renetr to the Pewmaszat B®prss®utative of India the assurances of liis l2i^h€@t consitisr'S.'tiioiti. 8 Baeejsber 1971 V-e '.* f-.-'-- '- ..-,',<" n r f. ' " PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVE OF INDIA TO THE UNITED NATIONS 3 EAST €4TH STREET "-•' NEW YORK, N.Y. 1OO21 ft ,/£'?<•'«•• '£& KM.- ^tSUslavy ~ •Zt&'UJ^-sut j The General Assembly adopted Resolution &/RES/2T93(XZyi.} Question considered by the Security Council at its 1606th, 1607th and 1608th meetings on 4, 5 and 6 December 1971, on 7th December 1971. This was telegraphically forwarded to the Government of India direct by the Secretary-General. I have now been instructed to send the reply of the Government of India in the following termsi Beg ins. "Excellency/ India1s dedication to the purposes and principles of the Charter is well Known. It is borne out by our record over the last twenty-six years. India has not been content merely by giving verbal or moral support to the United Nations but has been in the forefront of a selfless struggle in the defence of peace, against colonialism, imperialism and racialism. Indian soldiers have sacrificed their lives in carrying out missions of peace in Korea, in Congo and West Asia. Decisions of the U.N. and resolutions adopted by its various organs and agencies have always received our most earnest and careful consideration. Consequently, the Government of India have studied with great care the resolution adopted by the General Assembly on the 8th December 1971 on the present grave situation in the Indian sub-continent. We are glad to note that the resolution acknowledg es — 2 — the crucial importance of the voluntary return of the refugees to their homes. It may be worth-while to recall briefly the circumstances in which these millions of refugees were driven out of their homeland. On 25th March 1971, the Government of Pakistan launched an assault on the people of their Eastern Province/ whose only crime was that they had voted democratically. Millions of innocent, unarmed citizens were uprooted from their homes, and hundreds of thousands were killed or maimed. However great our concern for justice and sympathy for human suffering, we could perhaps have taken a detached view, had these terrible events not occurred along the borders of several of our Eastern States. More than ten million people have so far sought shelter in our territory to escape death and dishonour at the hands of the West Pakistan army. The burden« of taking care of such a large influx in so short a time has been a crushing one. Out. entire administration in the Eastern region is at a standstill and the daily life of the people dislocated, because of schools, hospitals and other public buildings being occupied by the refugees. Social and political tensions have been generated throughout the country and our economy has been disrupted, adversely affecting our growth. Even more serious, our security has been imperilled. Has the U.N. considered the unprecedented situation created by one member of the U.K. for another member? India has always stood for total non-interference by one State into the domestic affairs of another State. However, if one state deliberately drives millions of its citizens across the territory of another state and casts 3 upon the receiving state unconscionable burdens, what remedies are open to the receiving state which has become a victim of domestic policies of a member-state of the U.K.? Has any country faced such a gigantic problem for no fault of its own? For nine long months, India staggered under this load and exercised the utmost self-restraint. Even if other countries were not moved by the agony of the people of East Bengal or the difficulties created for India, we had hoped that their desire to preserve peace in this area would lead them to take some steps to reduce the tension. However, India's efforts were in vain. The military rulers of Pakistan have not been able to comprehend the forces of history and the people's deep desire for justice and democratic rights. The Military rulers are impervious to the fact that through their callous policies, they have irrevocably alienated the people of East Bengal. Pakistan has based its propaganda on two pointss First, it is alleged that the entire trouble is of Indian instigation. This allegation has been proved false by the democratic elections in which the Awami League x^on 167 out of 169 seats and by the many Dacca-based foreign correspondents who have been sending eye-witness reports of what is happening there. Secondly, the whole question is projected as one of religion. It is relevant to remember that the bulk of the people of East Bengal, who have revolted against the military Government of West Pakistan, are of the Islamic faith and no less devoted Muslims. In fact, the majority of the total population of both Wings of Pakistan lived in its Eastern Province. Despite the Pakistan Government's effort to explain - 4 - away their predicament as the result of alleged interference, India on her part did everything to prevent the issue from becoming internationalised, and consistently advocated a political solution between the Government of Pakistan and the genuinely elected leaders of £ast Bengal* If the world were anxious to treat this as an internal question of Pakistan, it should have ensured that such vast proportions of the population of East Bengal were not driven out of their homes and their homeland into our country. When nations have talked to us of peace, they have overlooked the slaughter of men, women and children; they have forgotten the fate of 10 million refugees and thus totally ignored the moral and legal responsibility of the rulers of Pakistan. A call to cease fire coupled with expressions of hope that the refugees would voluntarily return appears to India to have no purpose other than to cover up the annihilation of an entire nation. How can foundations of peace be built on such a basis? India cannot be a party to the violent suppression of the rights of the aggrieved people of Bangla Desh. If the U.lSL is interested in the whole truth, the representatives of Bangla Desh Government should be heard. Why should it depart from this tradition? Any objective consideration would show that the conditions necessary for the restoration of peace and the return of millions of refugees can be created only through the withdrawal of West Pakistani forces. It is cruel to expect that these refugees who have suffered so much at the hands of the West Pakistani forces should contemplate _ 5 - return to their homeland while it is still under their occupation. So far as the armed forces of India are concerned, there can be a cease-fire and withdrawal of India's forces to its own territory, if the rulers of West Pakistan would withdraw their own forces from Bangla Desh and reach a peaceful settlement with those who were until recently their fellow-citizens, but now owe allegiance to the Government of Bangla Desh which has been duly constituted by the representatives chosen freely in the elections held in December 1970. Merely to express a wish for the return of the refugees without taking into account the necessary pre-conditi>ons is to show a callous disregard for the immense suffering which these people have endured. The Government of India is prepared to consider the call for cease fire. Indeed, India concluded cease-fire agreements with Pakistan in 1948 and 1965. Neither gave assurance of continued peace. The • last one of 1965, which was followed by a solemn inter-state agreement signed at Tashkent, failed to bring about the peaceful relations we so ardently desire. India feels legitimately aggrieved that in calling for a cease-fire, the U.K. makes no distinction between the aggressor and its victims. It is, therefore, necessary to restate the facts. On December 3, 1971 when Prime Minister of India was in Calcutta, the Defence Minister in Patna and the Finance Minister in Bombay, Pakistan's armed forces launched aggression against India. On that day around 5.30 p.m. the Air Force of Pakistan made simultaneous attacks on India's airfields in the following towns; Amritsar, Pathankot, - 6 - * Srinagar, Avantipur, Uttarlai, Jodhpur, Ambala and Agra. The West Pakistan army opened an attack by continuous shelling of our defensive positi tns on a wide front including Sulaimanki, Khemkaran, Poonch and other sectors. The Government of West Pakistan has alleged that India had attacked at 12 noon, but since there was no basis, whatever for their allegation, it could obviously not mention the places. These are uncontested facts. India, which is exercising the inherent right of self-defence, cannot be equated with Pakistan. India is a victim of yet another unprovoked Pakistani aggression and is engaged in defendin its national sovereignty and territorial integrity in the exercise of its legitimate right of self-defence. There is one other consideration of fundamental importance which India would like to urges International I»aw recognizes that where a mother-State has irrevocably lost allegiance of such large section of its people as represented by Bangla Desh and cannot bring them under its sway, conditions for the separate existence of such a state comes .into being. It is India's assessment that this is precisely what has happened in Bangla Desh. The overwhelming majority of the elected representatives of Bangla Desh have irrevocably declared themselves in favour of separation from the mother-State of Pakistan and have set up a new state of Bangla Desh. India has recognized this new State. The armed forces of the new state have long been engaged in a struggle against the forces of vvest Pakistan in Bangla Desh. In these circumstances, is it realistic to call upon India to cease fire without, at the same time, giving a hearing to the representatives of Bangla Desh whose armed forces are engaged against the forces of West Pakistan? v - 7 - India earnestly hopes that in the light of the facts set out above, the U.N. will consider once again the realities of the situation/ so that the basic causes of the conflict are removed and peace is restored. Given an assurance of a desire to examine these basic causes with objectivity, India will not be found in wanting in offering its utmost co-operation. Ends. Al ittt 7 PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVE OF INDIA TO THE UNITED NATIONS 3 EAST 64TH STREET NEW YORK. N. Y. 1OO21 22nd December., 1971 Excellency, The Security Council has been seized with the events connected with the recent conflict in the Indo- Pakistan sub-continent. You are also aware that the "ToTTell^gnnHinister of India informed the Security Council on the l6th December at its l6l6th meeting that the Government of India had unilaterally declared a cease-fire in the western sector with effect from 2300 hours} Indian Standard Time. He also announced the cessation of hostilities in the eastern sector from the l6th December on the surrender of West Pakistani troops to the Indian and Bangla Desh forces on that date. Though the response of the Government of Pakistan to this unilateral declaration of cease-fire was not available in time to be conveyed to the Security Council then, it is now known that the President of Pakistan accepted the offer of cease-fire declared by the Government of India on the 17th December. While a cessation of hostilities has occured and a cease-fire declared, it would be necessary to recall the event which led to the conflict in cV. 2_ -2- precise chronological order. You would recall that I had conveyed information regarding Pakistan's armed aggression on. India's western frontiers to you on the 3rd and 4th December verbally. Part of this information has been circulated by you to the members of the U.N. in your report No.S/104I/Add.1 of the 4th December 1971. I notice, however., from paragraph 4^ sub-para 1 of the same document that the President of Pakistan had informed you that the Indian army had launched on December 3 between 1530 and 1630 hours simul- taneously ground attacks across the international frontier of Pakistan in the Salkot sector in an area between Jessan Bridge and Lahore and on the Rajasthan front opposite Rahim Jar Khan in West Pakistan. It is also alleged that the Indian armed forces attacked Pakistani forces in the Chhamb sector on the same day. This letter from the President of Pakistan has sought to imply that the attack by the Pakistan Air Force on Indian air fields between 173° hours and 1800 hours on 3**d December was an act of self-defence in retaliation to the above alleged attack. I am to state that the allegation that Indian ground forces attacked Pakistan in the areas mentioned above between 1530 hours and 1600 hours (WPT) (1630 hours and 1700 hours 1ST) on 3rd December is completely false and baseless. We have already informed the U.N. that Pakistan commenced a massive military build-up against India's western and eastern frontiers from the middle of October and commenced provocative military activities specifically against our border posts in the following areas; -3- -3- In Krishanagar,, Karimganj, Agartala, Hilli, Radhikapur, BeIonia, Kamalpur and areas of West Dinajpur on the India-East Bengal border. These incidents took place between October l4th and November 19th. On November 19th Pakistani troops intruded into Indian territory in West Bengal., Meghalaya and in Jammu and Kashmir. Between November 21 and 2.^-, Pakistan troops launched a massive infantry and artillery attack supported by armour and air force against Indian territories in the Boyra area of India-East Bengal border which compelled India to undertake for the first time defensive measures which included limited thrust into Pakistani territory. Three Pakistani sabre jets were shot down while flying over Indian territory in the Boyra sector and two Pakistani pilots bailed out and were captured on Indian soil. The Government of India considered these as purely local actions as declared by the Prime Minister of India in Parliament on the 24th November while informing the Parliament of the military incidents at Boyra. The Pakistani authorities., however, escalated the situation further by undertaking a massive air attack on Agertala town in the Indian State of Tripura on December 2. Though there were frequent military provocations in the western sector, Indian troops during this period kept on their side of the border under strict orders from the Government of India. However, on and about 5-30 (1ST) the Pakistan Air Force carried out a massive and unprovoked air strike against several of our bases along India's westeren frontiers with Pakistan. The Pakistan Air Force struck at our air fields at Amritsar, Pathankot Srinagar, Avantipur, Uttarlai, Jodhpur, Ambala and Agra. Simultaneously, Pakistani ground forces started heavy shelling of our defence positions in the Suleimanki and Poonch areas. They also started a ground attack against us all along the cease-fire line in Jammu and Kashmir as well as the Punjab-West Pakistan border. The All India Radio announced the news about Pakistan's unprovoked aggression at 1°20 hours on 3rd December and Radio Pakistan made the announcement that the Pakistan Air Force had taken defensive action against India's alleged ground attack in the western sector at about 1??30 hours (1ST). The Prime Minister as well as two senior members of the Political Affairs Committee of the Cabinet were in different parts of India at this timem and they only returned to Delhi after being informed of Pakistan's aggression. The Indian Air Force went into action in self-defence at about mid-night on 3rd December and carried out air strikes against Pakistan air bases of Chanderi, Shorkot,, Sargodha^ Murad Mianwali., Masrur and Risa Wala in this action. The Indian armed forces also proceeded to take all necessary defensive measures against the Pakistani forces' ground attacks all along India's eastern and western frontiers. It is thus clear from the above-mentioned sequence of events that it was Pakistan and not India that escalated and started the aggressive war on 3rd December 1971. On the forenoon of 4th December, the President of Pakistan proclaimed that a state of war existed between India and Pakistan. On the same afternoon, Pakistan launched a massive attack in the Chhamb and Ferozepur sectors with air and artillery support and with armour. By the evening of 4th December Pakistani forces had started attempting massive intrusions into Indian territories all along India's western -5- frontiers as also along the cease-fire line in the Indian State of Jammu and Kashmir. Since Pakistan had declared war against India and launched attacks against her in all sectors, India had to take all measures against Pakistan in order to ensure India's security and to remove Pakistan's naili threat. The events that followed are known to you and have been the subject matter of detailed discussions in the Security Council since the 4th December. The facts regarding the premediated and planned aggression committed by Pakistan against India have been stated in details in the statements of the Indian representative made in the Security Council on 4th,5th and 6th December 1971. Subsequently the Foreign Minister of India made a detailed statement on this subject on the 12th December. I have considered it necessary to state briefly in this letter the course of events as they occured since I informed you orally on the 3rd and 4th of December of Pakistan's aggressive designs and activities against India. These culminated in Pakistan's Proclamation of a "state of war" on the 4th of December. Accept, Excellency, the assurances of my highest consideration. V'( S. Sen ) Permanent Representative of India H.E. U Thant, Secretary General, United Nations, New York PERMANENT MISSION OF INDIA TO THE UNITED NATIONS 3 EAST 64TH STREET NEW YORK, N. Y. 10021 H.E. U Thant, Secretary General^ United Nations, NEW YORK Sec ^ 15 December 1971 Excellency9 I have the honour to refer to the evacuation of United Nations and other international personnel from Dacca. As Your Excellency knows 9 an operation for this purpose xias carried out on 12 December 1STL by British aircraft under arrangements made by the United Kingdom Government in co-operation with the United nations. As a result^ i)-57 persons of various nationalities* including ten United Jfetions officials, were evacuated. As the fifth flight of this operation ms unable to land in Dacca, a small grsup including some further United Nations personnel ^jho wes=e to be evacuated still remains in Dacca. I am gratified and relieveds however ,> that a large proportion of the personnel to "be evacuated has "been bro-a^ht to safety from the beleaguered city, 'The tJKBP Bepresentative in Hew DelMs Mr. John McDiarrald, has informed me of the co-operation the Indian authorities have extended to him in connexion with the operation of 12 December. I should be grateful if Your Excellency -vrauld convey to your Government n§r deep appreciation for its co-operation, without tfliich this humanitarian operation would not have been possible. I avail ugrself of this opportunity to renew to Your Excellency the assurances of ay highest consideration. U His Excellency Mr. Samar Sen Permanent Representative of India to the United Nations 3 East 6Uth Street B.Y. 10021