পাতা:বাংলাদেশের স্বাধীনতা যুদ্ধ দলিলপত্র (ত্রয়োদশ খণ্ড).pdf/১৩১

103 ংলাদেশের স্বাধীনতা যুদ্ধ দলিলপত্রঃ ত্রয়োদশ খন্ড শিরোনাম সূত্র তারিখ পাক-ভারত পরিস্থিতি সম্পর্কে কমনস সভায় দি টাইমস ৭ ডিসেম্বর ১৯৭১ বৃটিশ পররাষ্ট্র সচিবের বিবৃতি Statement by Sir Alec Douglas-Home, Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, at the British House of Commons December 6, 1971 The outbreak of hostilities between India and Pakistan is a matter of deep concern to H.M. Government and to all members of the House. We have watched with growing apprehension over the past months the deterioration in relations between the two countries, stemming from the situation in East Pakistan. In spite of our efforts and those of other powers, India and Pakistan have been driven to the calamity of war. Our immediate concern must now be to try to stop the fighting and to contribute to a sane and civilized solution that takes account of the wishes of the peoples affected. When we heard the first reports of attacks and fighting on the borders of India and West Pakistan on December 3, the Prime Minister appealed to President Yahya Khan and Mrs. Gandhi to do all within their power to prevent the spread of conflict. We are also in touch with other governments. Confused Reports Reports on the military situation are confused. It is clear that extensive fighting is taking place within East Pakistan and on the borders of West Pakistan and India, and that the navies and air forces of both countries are engaged. To the extent that it is possible in modern warfare, it appears that the civilian population has not been the object of attack from the air. The House will know that the Security Council met on December 4 and again yesterday to consider the situation. It was clear from the start that any resolution calling for a cease-fire and the withdrawal of forces would attract a Russian veto. For their part, H. M. Government have taken the view that there is nothing to be gained by prematurely attempting to introduce abortive resolutions which are bound to be voted by one country or another. We are doing all we can to look for ways of overcoming these difficulties and of finding a solution to the desperately complicated issues which gave rise to the outbreak of war. These efforts have Rot so far been successful, but we shall continue them. The United Nations must have a role to play not only in the search for ways to stop to fighting, but also in the immense task of reconstruction that will follow.