Secret

August 25, 1971 Washington DC

 

President's Thursday briefing

 

Yahya-Farland Talk:

Ambassador Farland has informed President Yahya of the interest that some "Bangla Desh" representatives have indicated to us in a settlement that would maintain the integrity and unity of Pakistan. The ambassador made clear that we had taken no initiative in gath­ering this information nor were we seeking to play a mediatory role.

 

Ambassador Farland reports that Yahya's reaction was "favorable and positive." Yahya said:

 

- He was "happy" to hear this information.

 

- The US had maintained the correct diplomatic and political posture and he hoped that our officials, "with their custom­ary care and exercise of discretion", would maintain appro­priate contacts.

 

In response to a question, Yahya said he would favor "whole­heartedly" having a select group of Pakistani officials and "Bangla Desh" representatives meet secretly on the neutral ground of a for-

eign country. He specifically asked Ambassador Farland to keep in close touch with him if such a contingency developed and on the matter generally.

 

Ambassador Farland characterizes Yahya's comments as "a glimmer of light amidst encircling gloom."

 

 

 

Source: Bangladesh Liberation War and the Nixon White House 1971. p. 192 - 193