বাংলাদেশের স্বাধীনতা যুদ্ধ দলিলপত্রঃ ত্রয়োদশ খণ্ড
| শিরোনাম | সূত্র | তারিখ |
| মার্কিন সরকারের শরণার্থী ত্রাণ কার্যক্রম সংক্রান্ত বিবৃতি | পররাষ্ট্র দপ্তর | ১৮ মে, ১৯৭১ |
STATEMENT ON HUMANITARIAN AND REFUGEES RELIEF EFFORTS IN EAST PAKISTAN AND INDIA
The United States Government continues to be seriously concerned about the suffering and hardship which have arisen from the civil disturbances in East Pakistan. Two aspects of this problem have engaged our particular attention. The first is the reestablishment of conditions that will permit restoration of transportation, administration and more normal economic activity so that food distribution and other essential services can be resumed. The second is the care of refugees who have gone to India from East Pakistan.
We have publicly and privately expressed our concern for an early peaceful accommodation that would permit life to return to normal in East Pakistan and the refugees to return to their homes.
We have discussed humanitarian relief efforts with the Governments of Pakistan and India and we have urged international organizations and other interested countries to undertake appropriate contingency planning. We recognize that the problem is basically one for the Governments and people immediately concerned to solve. Their efforts are essential; but the international community can be of great assistance in supporting their efforts and supplementing their resources,
We have associated ourselves, both publicly and privately, with UN Secretary General U Thant's April 1, offer of international humanitarian relief for East Pakistan. We have repeatedly discussed this matter with the Government of Pakistan. Secretary Rogers joined the British Foreign 'Secretary in a message to the Secretary General April 27. Suggesting that he renew his offer of humanitarian assistance. We have indicated our willingness to support such an effort when requested by Pakistan. Meanwhile, we are actively moving forward with contingency planning within the U.S. Government.
We are now encouraged to note that the President of Pakistan, in a letter of May 3, to Secretary General U"Thant released by the UN on May, 12, has welcomed the Secretary General's offer to provide relief assistance to East Pakistan through the UN and its specialized agencies President Yahya I stated that, while adequate supplies are presently available, his Government is assessing its possible requirements for present and future international assistance.
We have also indicated that as soon as the local situation permits we are ready to resume rehabilitation projects in the cyclone disaster area along the East Pakistan coast where there is an especially urgent need for food supplies. For this purpose, we can draw
