পাতা:বাংলাদেশের স্বাধীনতা যুদ্ধ দলিলপত্র (ত্রয়োদশ খণ্ড).pdf/১১৪

86 ংলাদেশের স্বাধীনতা যুদ্ধ দলিলপত্রঃ ত্রয়োদশ খন্ড this important subject possible, perhaps by making the aid debate longer? This is one of the most urgent human problems we have ever had to face. We would be guilty of showing a lack of urgency if we did not arrange to debate this matter tomorrow. Sir Alec Douglas-Home: This is, of course, one of the most terrible tragedies we have seen for many a day: and nobody has ever sought to disguise that. The Right Hon. Gentleman spoke of urgency. Perhaps he did not hear what J, said which was that 40 per cent of the help that had been given in this past week or so had come from the United Kingdom. As for the date, to which I referred, of 17th June, that was mentioned because the Right Hon. Lady the Member for Lanark (Mrs. Hart) had asked me about a request from India. I understand that that is the date on which such a request is likely to be made by India in the consortium which will be meeting them. If between now and then anything extra is sought, we will supply it. I hope that instead of concentrating on criticism of this country, which is not justified-(Interruption.)-the Right Hon. Gentleman will use his influence to help other people to subscribe to this international effort. Mr. Boyd-Carpenter: While applauding the vigorous lead from the point of view of aid which has been given by Her Majesty's Government and which has been an example to the world, may I ask my Right Hon. Friend whether, through the Pakistan Government or through our Deputy High Commissioner at Dacca, he has been able to ascertain what are the factors which are causing this immense number of human beings to flee from their homes to a foreign country, whether these factors still continue and whether they can be reversed? Sir Alee Douglas-Horne: The overriding influence on these people is fear. They fled because they felt that the Pakistan Army was using measures to suppress the population which were intolerable to them. They have, therefore, fled over the Indian frontier. The only way to get these refugees back is for a political settlement to be contrived which will give them the necessary confidence to return to their homes. I have seen the Pakistan High Commissioner frequently. We have impressed on the President of Pakistan the need for such a political settlement. He says that it is his intention to try to contrive this as soon as he possibly can. When that happens we will find some of the refugees returning, but I am afraid that they will not return until that happens. Mr. Michacl Stewart: Can the Right Hon. Gentleman explain why at this stage, it is apparently proposed to withdraw Her Majesty's representative in Dacca; and what arrangements are being made to replace him? Sir Alec Douglas-Home: He is being withdrawn because he has been under severe strain and must have a short rest. We are replacing him now. Mr. Dodds-Parker: To what extent are the facilities, personnel and supplies in Singapore proving useful in this eventuality? Sir Alec Douglas-Home: We have been able to use aircraft from Singapore and Wē