পাতা:বাংলাদেশের স্বাধীনতা যুদ্ধ দলিলপত্র (ত্রয়োদশ খণ্ড).pdf/৬৭৯

651 বাংলাদেশের স্বাধীনতা যুদ্ধ দলিলপত্রঃ ত্রয়োদশ খন্ড শিরোনাম সূত্র তারিখ পূর্ব বাংলার শান্তি পুনঃপ্রতিষ্ঠার জন্য ংলাদেশ ডকুমেন্টস ১৬ জুলাই, ১৯৭১ ফিলিপাইনীয় ক্যাথলিক সম্প্রদায়ের আবেদন PHILIPPINES CATHOLICS APPEAL FOR RESTORATION OF PEACE IN EAST BENGAL: STATEMENT RELEASED ONJULY 16,1971 The following statement was released to the Press in Manila on July 16, 1971, by the Catholic Bishops Conference of Philippines which represents thirty-one million Catholics: We, the Catholic bishops of the Philippines representing nearly 31 million Catholics, have heard the two fervent appeals made by the Holy Father urging aid to the six million East Bengali refugees driven out of their homes by violence and internecine conflict, who are presently being sheltered in India. We have also taken note of the appeal made by Archbishop L. T. Picachy, the Archbishop of Calcutta on behalf of the Asian brothers and sisters. We, the bishops, have also taken note of the appeal to the international community made by the Prime Minister of India Mrs. Indira Gandhi, and the fervent public statement and appeal made by His Excellency Mr. Ferdinand E. Marcos, President of the Republic of the Philippines., as well as, the statements made by His Excellency U-Thant, Secretary-General of the United Nations, by His Excellency Prince Saruddin Aga Khan, the United Nations High Commissioner for refugees and by His Excellency Mr. Willy Brandt the Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany. "Deeply moved by the terrible sufferings of the six million East Bengali refugees many of them wounded, starving without shelter during these torrential monsoons and now ravaged by a raging cholera. We also note with deepest sorrow the tragid death of thousands in East Bengal, the victims including several priests. While expressing commiseration we pray to the Almighty God asking for eternal peace for these unfortunate victims, "It is clear that: humanitarian aid to the refugees, although most welcome, is not a complete solution. It is also clear that a peaceful settlement between the opposing parties is essential and indispensable for the restoration of peaceful conditions for security without fear of molestation, persecution and death. "This desideratum has been aptly and clearly expressed in the words of the Holy Father as follows: We appeal for love and peace particularly to those who hold public power so that the refugees can return to their homes and live in peace in an atmosphere of understanding and co-operation without hostility and suspicion. In the name of humanity, in the name of democracy, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, we reiterate the appeal and prayer His