Joined by a bipartisan group of Senators, 1 yesterday wired Secretary Rogers to make clear that the United States will not meet that request, and will ask other donors to refuse likewise, unless, first, the Pakistan authorities undertake an emergency relief effort equal to the crisis in East Pakistan, and second, representatives of the International Red Cross are granted prompt entry to East Pakistan to plan a coordinated international food distribution and medical relief effort with Pakistani authorities.
I would hope the Secretary would also make clear the readiness of the U.S. Government to make available a generous share of emergency food aid and vehicles for distribution, including helicopters and transport aircraft to be loaned to Pakistani relief authorities or the International Red Cross. Unbelievably, we seem on the verge of another Biafra-another combination of rationalized inaction and moral insensitivity which could cost millions of lives.
If America's claim to moral and humane values means anything, if the Government of Pakistan deserves to be recognized as the responsible authority in East Pakistan, the only course for both governments is the strongest humanitarian action now-before we watch the burial of another generation of babies.
I ask unanimously that a telegram to Secretary Rogers be printed in the RECORD.
Hon. WILLIAM P, ROGERS.
U. S. Secretary of State, U. S. Interests Section, care of Spanish Embassy, Cairo United Arab Republic.
Dear Mr. SECRETARY: Tens of millions face starvation in East Pakistan without emergency efforts to restore full supply and distribution of food imports.
We urge you to instruct U. S. Rep. at Pakistan Consortium Talks to refuse further foreign exchange assistance, and ask other donors to refuse likewise, unless Government of Pakistan (1) mounts immediate emergency relief effort in east commensurate with potential need, and (2) grants ICRC observers entry to East to plan coordinated international food distribution and medical relief efforts with Pakistani authorities.
We recognize these are extraordinary actions but feel they are compelled by horrible prospects of millions starving in East Pakistan while governments have means to prevent it.
Sincerely,
Walter F. Mondale, Clifford P. Case, Fred R. Harris, Thorns F. Eagleton, George
McGovern, Wimam Proxmire, Harold E. Hughes. Hubert H. Humphrey, Birch Bayh, and Edmund S. Muskie.
