পাতা:বাংলাদেশের স্বাধীনতা যুদ্ধ দলিলপত্র (ত্রয়োদশ খণ্ড).pdf/১২৬

98 ংলাদেশের স্বাধীনতা যুদ্ধ দলিলপত্রঃ ত্রয়োদশ খন্ড about the condition and health of Sheikh Mujib and the course of the trial, and give us any information he has about his likely release, since no progress towards normal conditions can be maintained unless Sheikh Mujib is released? Also, will the Foreign Secretary tell us what consultations he has had with other Commonwealth countries with a view to bringing joint pressure on Pakistan? Sir Alec Douglas-Home: Many countries have approached the President of Pakistan. That I know. Beyond that, I think, it is not right to go in any public Statement. Mr. Biggs-Davison: Is not the movement of supplies within East Pakistan all important for avoiding or diminishing the effects of famine? The Pakistan Government were having some difficulty in purchasing vehicles, and some orders were being frustrated. Will my Right Hon. Friend look into that and see what can be done, if necessary? Sir Alec Douglas-Home: We have supplied certain shallow boats to help the distribution in particular areas, and we shall supply anything which is requested which we are able to supply; but my Hon. Friend is right in suggesting that communications will be the main problem, not the supplies of food. Mr. Paget: Will the Foreign Secretary agree that, while refugees and famine are the immediate issue, the fundamental issue is that the majority in East Pakistan can probably never again accept the ruler ship of the minority in West Pakistan after the conduct of the West Pakistan army? Can we have any permanent solution here which does not involve the breaking of this quite unnatural union of two nations 1,500 miles apart? Sir Alec Douglas-Home: I do not know that it would be any contribution to peace if the two parts of Pakistan were to be permanently separated. I believe that a great many people would look upon that prospect with some apprehension. President Yahya Khan has declared his intention to hold fresh elections and to establish elected assemblies. I think that a great deal depends on the speed with which he can carry out this intention. Mr. Molloy: I join my Right Hon. Friend the Member for Wednesbury (Mr. Stonehouse) in thanking the Foreign Secretary for his very prompt and humanitarian action in this sad situation, but is the Right Hon. Gentleman aware that the offer by President Yahya Khan for people to come and talk about a democratic solution can hardly be encouraging to those who my wish to do so inasmuch as the crime of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and the reason for his incarceration is that he indulged in a democratic election and won it? Further will the Right Hon. Gentleman take into account that many voluntary organizations which are eager and ready to offer succour and relief to those who are suffering in Bangladesh are not allowed to do so-in particular, organizations like War on Want-because of the actions of the West Pakistan Army? Will the Right Hon. Gentleman endeavor to make representations so as to allow these organisation to offer that aid? Sir Alec Douglas-Home: I gather that the Pakistan Government are very willing to see the voluntary organizations operate, but they think that they can most effectively operate in the area which has recently been affected by floods. What I am certain of is that the United Nations organisation must oversee the whole relief effort. Otherwise, there will be confusion. But I hope that the voluntary organizations will be used.