পাতা:বাংলাদেশের স্বাধীনতা যুদ্ধ দলিলপত্র (ত্রয়োদশ খণ্ড).pdf/৭৩৯

711 ংলাদেশের স্বাধীনতা যুদ্ধ দলিলপত্রঃ ত্রয়োদশ খন্ড September 1968. This time we have an opportunity to discuss in detail the problems which are of concern to both our countries. To begin with let me say that we in Germany follow with great sympathy developments in your sub-continent. They feel us all with deep concern. We share India's view that the conflict in East Pakistan is primarily Pakistan's affair and that any effort to find a solution must consequently be made for the most part in Pakistan. But, of course, we also know that this internal conflict has caused millions of refugees to flow into India, thereby causing not only much human suffering but, in addition, a dangerous state of tension. It is certain that it will not be possible for these refugees to retum-and this is surely the most crucial and immediate problem for India-until they can be persuaded that they can do so without fear for their lives. It seems to me that it is necessary in the interest of peace to establish a procedure for an objective discussion of the possibilities and conditions for their return. We Germans know of the distress of refugees, so there has never been any question about our willingness to help. The spontaneous expression of public sympathy in this country for the suffering of the refugees is manifest not the least in the donations which enable humanitarian organizations to do their useful work. All the same, we realize that the main burden rests on India. Whilst encouraging the Indian Government to continue their circumspect policy, it is only right that, together with others, we should also help to make the burden, which India has taken upon herself, a little easier to bear. But above all, we address an urgent appeal to all those in position of responsibility in your part of the world to quell the dangers of military conflict and seek ways and means of reaching understanding, both internally and externally. Here in Europe, we are trying in our own way to remove sources of tension and to pursue a policy of reason. You yourself, and on other occasions your Foreign Minister also, have spoken with warmth and appreciation of our efforts to bring about detente in Europe. We value that highly, and are grateful for the understanding and support we have received from India. This policy, I feel, is also beneficial to others, not only in the general sense that we are rendering a contribution to the organization of peace, but also in the particular sense that we find solutions capable of avoiding burdens for India and other countries. Political relations between India and the Federal Republic of Germany are, I am happy to say, not under the constant pressure of complex, unresolved problems. We are gratified to note an identity of views both as regards our aim and our methods of achieving them. We seek to devote our energies to the cause of peace.