Secret Telegram
November
15, 1971
From: American Embassy New Delhi
To: Secretary State Washington DC
Subject: Indo-Pak crisis - GOI May Be Prepared to
Wait a Little Longer
1. Summary. In first comments following her return
to India November 13 Prime Minister Indira Gandhi seems to be asking country
to continue to repose confidence in her government's capacity to handle
Indo-Pak crisis and saying her people should not expect dramatic GOI decisions
immediately while world statesmen trying to help find political solution. End
summary.
Reports we have read/heard of Prime Minister's
public and private comments are as follows:
a) In answering newsmen's questions upon arrival
November 13 Mrs. Gandhi said that in talks abroad she had given frank assessment
of present situation and likely consequences if continued. Had found western
statesmen interested in searching for political solution in order avoid
Indo-Pak war. Had no idea whether Tatter's efforts would be successful though
matter is not one about which one can quote set a date unquote (i.e. deadline).
She also repeated GOI stand that India will not permanently accept
refugees.
b) Major Delhi newspapers November 15 carry almost
identical versions of report as in previous day's meeting with political affairs
committee (PAC) of Cabinet. Prime Minister told colleagues western leaders
convinced of need for GOP political settlement with East Bengalis. That some
leaders attempting nudge Yahya Khan in that direction, and that India should be prepared wait a
while to see if efforts fruitful. PAC reportedly discussed desirability of
declaring national emergency but took no decision.
c) American newsman who attended November 15 press
briefing on Prime Minister's 15 minute informal address to Congress
Parliamentary party just prior opening of Parliament today, reports that
address was apparently vague and undramatic. Highlights: Prime Minister told
partymen her trip aboard resulted in greater sympathy for Indian position on East Pakistan among governments, people,
and press of countries visited. Said she foreign leaders discussed various
aspects of crisis, but no one tried give her advice, since all recognized India
must make own decision. Noted she had explained "danger not only at our
doorstep but right within our house". Cautioned that decision on important
matter facing India (presumably war/peace)
"must not be taken in haste or anger", and asked that her party rally
support in country for whatever decisions may be necessary.
3. Both houses Parliament had called attention
notices November 15 on "concentration of Pakistani forces on India's borders". In lengthy
prepared reply GOI spokesman reviewed in stronger language than Prime Minister
used events since March 25. Main points were: a) GOP guilty of genocide, b)
"forcible expulsion" of refugees constitutes "new kind of
aggression" and "imposes intolerable strains on us"; c)
"terror in East Pakistan, which continued, has sparked" powerful
resistance movement ...their successes have made them hopeful of early deliverance;
d) GOP created war hysteria and deployed troops along India's borders, and GOI
has reacted in kind; e) situation on borders "very serious indeed",
with Paks guilty of "extensive shelling" of and sabotage on Indian
territory and "large numbers" of air and land border violations; f)
India vigilant and prepared to meet any attack on territory; g) probably no
relaxation of border tensions until GOP negotiates with Awami League; "we
do not propose to relax our vigilance or withdraw our troops from borders until
satisfactory solution is found to situation in Bangla Desh which shall induce
and enable refugees to return their homeland ...in honor, in dignity, and in
full safety ... hope Pakistani rulers persuade themselves to abandon course on
which they have embarked, to retract their threats to us and to find political
solution to Bangla Desh which will be acceptable to already elected
representatives of people under leadership of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
4. Late afternoon November 15 Prime Minister read
moderate statement (excerpts in Septel) to Lok Sabha reviewing her trip abroad
which consistent with her earlier remarks to press and Congress colleagues.
Source: Bangladesh Liberation War and the Nixon House 1971, Enayetur
Rahim and Joyce L. Rahim, Pustaka Dhaka, p – 362 - 364