পাতা:বাংলাদেশের স্বাধীনতা যুদ্ধ দলিলপত্র (ত্রয়োদশ খণ্ড).pdf/৭২

44 ংলাদেশের স্বাধীনতা যুদ্ধ দলিলপত্রঃ ত্রয়োদশ খন্ড Sir R. Thompson: I am familiar with that argument. I am saying that the poverty in East Pakistan vis-a-vis the rest is not wholly attributable to the setting up of Pakistan as an independent country. It goes back much further. It has often been urged that one of the reasons for the difficulty is the economic disparity between the two. I am satisfied that the Pakistan Government have at last hoisted this one in. Certainly in seeking to set up a democratic constitution and in accepting that the results of a general election could mean East Pakistan having a majority of elected representatives over the whole country Mr. Bidwell: What about the suppression? Sir R. Thompson: This was the safeguard that would have redressed that position and if it had been given a chance to work I am certain that, in the end, it would have redressed it. Mr. Bidwell: Redressed bloody military suppression? Sir R. Thompson: The Hon. Gentleman is entitled to his views on this subject. This is not a new problem. It started with the independence of Pakistan as a whole. We have realized for a long time that East Pakistan was not getting the full benefit from the export of jute, on which the economy of that area is dependent. It was intended that this should be redressed, but a chance has not been given for that to happen because of this rebellion. However, it can still happen. I am hopeful that if the Government will now permit the rehabilitation and aid programme to get under way and will turn to the elected representatives of East Pakistan-many of whom survive; some of them are moving to co-operate with the Government in reforming and setting up the administration-the future can still be fair. The proposals outlined in the legal framework of the Order for the new Constitution include the concept of one man one vote, a wide devolution of authority to five provinces and the realization by the Government that East Pakistan has had less than its share of public works and expenditure. I believe that the balance can be redressed and a reasonably satisfactory outcome secured, with a new constitution being drawn up to replace the old martial law. This is the best prospect of reconciliation and eventual stability for Pakistan, and I conclude by quoting some words of the President, who said-and I am sure that he was being absolutely sincereon 25" March of this year: "Let me assure you that my main aim remains the same-namely, the transfer of power to the elected representatives of the people. As soon as the situation permits, I will take fresh steps towards the achievement of this objective." 1.10p.m. Mr. John Pardoe (Cornwall, North): I, too, would like to add my congratulations to the Hon. Member for Kensington, North (Mr. Douglas-Mann) on introducing this debate, and to extend my gratitude to him. I join with him in expressing the horror which all Hon.