Confidential Telegram

December 6, 1971

From: American embassy London

To: Secretary State, Washington DC

 

Subject: British Reaction to USG Position on Indo-Pak Conflict

 

1. British at various levels appear troubled at what they regard as USG decision to assign primary responsibility to India for present Indo-Pak conflict. HMG, by actions of its UN rep, has disassociated itself from US (reftel). Reports in local press and inquiries from newsmen show inclination here to interpret Bush's Dec 4 UNSC statement as meaning USG intends cut off all aid to India (State 219498, para 3: "the deteriorating military situation with which we are now confronted makes it increasingly impossible for us to con­tribute to the economic development and political stability of the area, to which we are committed.").

 

2. Daily Telegraph refers to "American decision to climb off the fence and blame India, with hints that economic aid might be cut off." Times says that USG "Administration's frustration over what it sees as India's willful determination to dismember Pakistan, rather than accept American proposals for keeping the peace lies behind the exceptionally strong denunciation of India made by a State Depart­ment official." Guardian editorial argues that "Mr. Nixon appears impatient with India and more concerned to dole out sterile blame than peace initiatives." Separate Guardian article claims that some Europeans feel "that America had been too critical of India ...", with USG stance constituting "blow to reaching a peaceful settlement..." Correspondent Jeremy Campbell in Evening Standard reports from Washington that President Nixon "may order all US aid to India cut off, even including money for vital humanitarian relief unless the war with Pakistan stops during the next two days."

 

 

Source: Bangladesh Liberation War and the Nixon House 1971, Enayetur Rahim and Joyce L. Rahim, Pustaka Dhaka, p – 417 - 418