Department of State

 

TELEGRAM

CONFIDENTIAL 436

 

 

 

KARACHI 01710 241652Z

45

ACTION NEA -04

INFO OCT-01 INR-06 RSR-01 RSC-01 /013 W 003662

R 241630Z AUG 71

FM AMCONSUL KARACHI

TO SECSTATE WASHDC (VIA POUCH FOR NEA/PAF AND INR/DDR/RNA)

R 121454Z AUG 71

FM AMCONSUL KARACHI

TO RUQVGM/AMEMBASSY ISLAMABAD INFO AMCONSUL LAHORE AMCONSUL DACCA CONFIDENTIAL KARACHI 1710

SUBJ: POLITICAL COORDINATION: REACTIONS

REF : ISLAMABAD 8058

 

1. General mood in Karachi is essentially one of xenophobic defiant support of government and its policies as necessary to preserve integrity of Pakistan. This feeling is particularly strong among Punjabis and large post partition immigrant group in Karachi. Attitude outside of Karachi is less clearly defined. Many Sindis and Baluchis believe that there is government of, by and for Punjabis and that their provinces getting shortchanged. This sentiment voiced cautiously is even more acute among political leaders of these areas. Dominant political figure, Z.A. Bhutto, while not basing complaints on regional bias, has made it quite clear that he believes that military is arbitrarily retaining power, dragging its feet in turning over power to elected representatives of people, and in general mismanaging country. Press has almost uniformly endorsed all policies of MLA whether support given in order to remain in print or out of true conviction.

 

2. White paper has been received with great acclaim by press. Public has accepted it as "true account" of what had transpired in East Pakistan. There were no aspersions cast regarding its reliability or thoroughness in any quarter. President's television address favorably received and even his strongest critics in PPP admitted his was a masterful performance which seen as raising his already high stock among populace and cementing his claim to leadership. His homespun image as simple honest soldier apparently just right touch. MLA, as well as President, continue to hold considerable public support. Their position has been helped by relative prosperity of this area. To most people, MLA is still considered saviour and preserver of national unity and any criticisms or complaints levelled tend to be directed against "civilian bureaucrats". On practical level, few see any workable alternative to military rule. Only indirect sniping of any major consequence has come from PPP leadership, who are beginning to feel that they must do something or risk the danger of disappearing from the scene. Their two major demands are quick turnover of power MLA and end to press censorship. Local papers report these demands in modest columns with little or no comment.

 

3. One issue on which there is little division of opinion is that of "Indian problem". To one and all, India is chief cause of trouble in East wing, major threat to peace in area, and warmonger determined to break up Pakistan. Intensity of anti­Indian feeling is hard to overestimate. Any action of Pak government sober or rash against India likely receive popular support, although there are some cautious observers who voice concern about Indian military strength, and are not totally convinced of full Chinese support in event of war.

 

4. People believe India capable of anything and recognition of Bangla Desh would simply confirm this view. Educated are aware of Pakistan's growing international isolation but do not fully grasp the degree or extent of this isolation. More moderate believe Pakistan's position abroad is misunderstood and this is in part due to failure of its representatives abroad to explain true position and in part to bias of world press. Militants in harsh tones say be damned with world opinion which they consider be largely shaped by Zionist controlled press on basis information supplied by India. This group holds view Pakistan only needs China as an ally and call for total self reliance and an end to "aid with strings".

 

5. After India, Sheikh Mujib Rahman and his Awami League rank second in order of disapproval. To most the Sheikh is treacherous collaborator of India. To more generous, he willing dupe to wiles and anti-state plots of Indians and anti-state miscreants. Clearance of former Awami Leaguers MNA's is acknowledged by most as not overly pleasant necessity and sign of magnanimity by MLA. Jamaat-i-Islam leaders have openly criticized MLA for recognizing traitors.

 

6. Small Bengali community in Karachi is generally silent. In security of discussions with foreigners, they express their resentment over government's decision of putting the sole blame for the problems of day on Bengalis while ignoring the irresponsible action of Bhutto.

GP-3. Luppi

 

 

 

Source: The American Papers (Secret and confidential India, Pakistan and Bangladesh Documents; page no – 645-646, The University Press.