Secret telegram

13 November 1971

From: US Mission UN New York

To: Secretary State Washington DC

 

Subject: India-Pakistan: Dutch-New Zealand initiative

 

1. Although discouraged by Indian and Pak reaction to Third Com­mittee resolution on current situation in subcontinent (reftel), draft resolution prepared by Dutch and New Zealand dels has been given to Pakistan. Pak permanent representative Aga Shahi said he would "extend courtesy" of sending draft to Islamabad for official response.

 

2. Text of draft (below) was given misoff "in strictest confidence" evening Nov 12 by NZ del. NZ Perm Rep Scott requested us not rpt not to inform others we had draft, but in view somewhat encouraging reaction in Dept to initiative (Secstate 206513), he wanted us have draft. Also, since Pak Fonsec Sultan Khan will be in Washington next week, perhaps US officials could encourage him to be respon­sive to Dutch-NZ initiative.

 

3. Text: QUOTE The General Assembly

 

Noting the report made by the United Nations High Commis­sioner for Refugees on his activities in co-ordinating interna­tional relief assistance for refugees from East Pakistan in India:

 

Noting also the report made by the Secretary-General on the United Nations programme of relief assistance to the people of East Pakistan:

 

Wishing to pay tribute to the Secretary-General and the High

 

Commissioner for Refugees, and their staffs, for the splendid work they have done, often under difficult conditions:

 

Deeply concerned at the magnitude of the human suffering to which the crisis in East Pakistan has given rise, and at its possi­ble consequences:

 

Concerned also at the disturbing influence of the general situa­tion in the area on the process of economic and social develop­ment in India and Pakistan:

 

Noting with appreciation the prompt and generous response of the international community to the needs that have arisen form the crisis, including the efforts of non-government organisations to raise funds for the relief of the suffering:

 

Recognising that voluntary repatriation is the only satisfactory solu­tion to the refugee problem, and that this is fully accepted by the governments directly concerned:

 

Believing that the voluntary repatriation of the refugees can be brought about only if a climate of confidence is created, both within East Pakistan and along its borders:

 

Considering that only a political solution can remove the ten­sions in the area and lead to an improvement in the living condi­tions of the population:      '

 

Convinced that further large-scale international assistance is re­quired to meet the needs of the refugees and of the people of East Pakistan:

 

1. Expresses its profound sympathy with those who have suf­fered from the situation in the area:

 

2. Appeals to all governments, inter-governmental agencies and non-governmental organisations to intensify their ef­forts to assist, directly or indirectly, in relieving the suffer­ing of the refugees and of the people of East Pakistan:

 

3. Urges the Governments of Pakistan and India to do their

utmost to restore a climate of confidence and encourage the refugees to return to their homes in East Pakistan:

 

4. Requests the Secretary-General and the Untied Nations High Commissioner for Refugees to continue their efforts to co-ordinate international assistance and to ensure that it is used to the maximum advantage to relieve the suffering of the refugees and of the people of East Pakistan:

 

5. Invites the Secretary-General and the Untied Nations High Commissioner for Refugees to report to the Economic and Social Council at its fifty-second session on their activities, and the results they have achieved. UNQUOTE

 

Bush

 

 

Source: Bangladesh Liberation War and the Nixon House 1971, Enayetur Rahim and Joyce L. Rahim, Pustaka Dhaka, p – 358 - 360