Recently, I also took an initiative for the strengthening of the United Nations relief operation in East Pakistan. On the recommendation of my representative in Dacca, I approved a plan to increase considerably the United Nations personnel for this operation, thus greatly improving its effectiveness. This would also put the Organisation in a better position to assure the international community, and donors in particular, that all supplies reach their destination-the people of East Pakistan. It is my hope that with this strengthening of the United Nations operation, more contributions will be obtained for the relief and rehabilitation that are so urgently needed in East Pakistan.
In a disaster of such vast proportions, the international community has a clear obligations to help the Governments and peoples concerned in every possible way. But as I have indicated, the basic problem can be solved only if a political solution based on reconciliation and the respect of humanitarian principles is achieved.
