STATEMENT BY THE MINISTER OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS IN RAJYA
SABHA ON JULY 19, 1971, REGARDING THE CONTINUED ARMS SUPPLY
BY THE GOVERNMENT OF U. S. A. TO PAKISTAN AND THE IMPLICATIONS
THEREOF

 

I regret to inform the House that since the issue of shipment of American arms to Pakistan was discussed last in this House, there has been no change in U.S. policy. On the contrary, it has come to our notice that U.S. military equipment still in the pipeline for delivery to Pakistan may be even more than has been publicly admitted by the U.S. Government. While the U.S. State Department spokesman mentioned on July 8, 1971 that the average approximate annual figure for the last five years of supply of arms to Pakistan has been in the order of $ 10 to 15 million, Senator

 

Church quoted an estimated figure of $ 35 million, in respect of military equipment still in the pipeline. We have reason to believe that his figure is nearer to the correct one. In any case amounts to Dollars alone do not give a correct picture. As we know, Pakistan has been in the past obtaining equipment from certain governmental sources at throw-away prices. Spare parts which may cost very little can reactivate deadly weapons.

 

I would like to assure the House that our views on the supply of arms to Pakistan have been conveyed in unequivocal terms to the United States Government. We have explained to them the adverse impact it could have on the peace and stability of the sub-continent. It could have an impact on Indo-US bilateral relations as well. It is surprising that the US Government which has been counselling restraint to us should have itself taken a measure which will aggravate the situation.

 

The supply of arms by any country to Pakistan in the present context amounts to condonation of genocide in Bangla Desh and encouragement to the conti­nuation of atrocities by the military rulers of Pakistan. It also amounts to inter­vention on the side of the military rulers of West Pakistan against the people of Bangla Desh.

 

 

 

Source: Bangladesh Documents, Vol – I, Page no – 702 – 703.