পাতা:বাংলাদেশের স্বাধীনতা যুদ্ধ দলিলপত্র (ত্রয়োদশ খণ্ড).pdf/৫৪০

512 ংলাদেশের স্বাধীনতা যুদ্ধ দলিলপত্রঃ ত্রয়োদশ খন্ড শিরোনাম সূত্র তারিখ ংলাদেশের সমর্থনে ‘ফ্রেন্ডস অব ইষ্ট ফ্রেন্ডস অব ইস্ট বেঙ্গল জুলাই, ১৯৭১ বেঙ্গল’-এর ভূমিকা FRIENDS OF EAST BENGAL General Information Purpose: The Friends of East Bengal has been established as a non profit organization dedicated. (1)To help relieve the immense suffering imposed by military action against the people of East Bengal, (2)To further the freedom and political self-determination of the people of East Bengal, (3)To exert influence on the U. S. government to direct its policies toward these goals. Activities to date: Lobbying in Congress-Members of the group have visited the U.S. Congress in Washington to see many Senators and Congressmen, The lobbying effort has been directed primarily toward the Gallagher Amendment in the House and the Church-Saxbe Amendment in the Senate. Both amendments would suspend economic and military aid to Pakistan until the repression of East Bengalis by the Pakistan government is stopped. Demonstrations-Because the U. S. Government is allowing the shipment of arms licensed before the war of repression began, there have been several demonstrations designed to stop the shipment of arms to Pakistan. The demonstrations were at Pakistani ships loading at U. S. ports and have stopped or delayed some of the ships' loading. In some ports longshoremen have agreed not to load ships. Public Opinion-The organization has prepared several leaflets and news sheets about the tragic events in East Pakistan and the work of groups in this country. These leaflets have been distributed at places like the University of Pennsylvania campus and the Temple University Music Festival. A larger packet of information is being prepared as an information source, containing news articles, editorials, etc. Fund Raising-Montes required by these activities have come from the sale of buttons and posters and from small donations. While not a relief agency itself, the Friends of East Bengal has investigated the agencies that are seeking donations to directly aid the East Pakistanis. A list of several agencies has been drawn up and the checking is continuing. Future Activities: Lobbying-Because the Church-Saxbe Amendment has yet to come before the Senate, lobbying wiłł continue. In addition, the need for governmentsponsored relief is great.