There have been no reports of injury to United Kingdom nationals or damage to United Kingdom property in either India or Pakistan although damage to tea gardens may be inevitable. On November 23, the High Commissioner at Islamabad advised United Kingdom nationals in the border districts of Pakistan to consider moving to safer areas while this was possible.
Since the outbreak of the fighting he has taken account of the air raids, the restrictions on movements and the suspension of civil air flights and has advised United Kingdom nationals to stay where they are. No evacuation from Pakistan or India is contemplated at present. I am however keeping the situation under review and will take any action necessary.
War can only be a tragedy for all the people of the sub-continent. I can assure the House that we shall do all within our power to persuade those concerned of this view and of the need to tackle the task of reconciliation.
(THE TIMES, London- December 7, 1971).
