পাতা:বাংলাদেশের স্বাধীনতা যুদ্ধ দলিলপত্র (ত্রয়োদশ খণ্ড).pdf/৮৪৫

এই পাতাটির মুদ্রণ সংশোধন করা প্রয়োজন।

817 ংলাদেশের স্বাধীনতা যুদ্ধ দলিলপত্রঃ ত্রয়োদশ খন্ড শিরোনাম সূত্র তারিখ জাতিসংঘ মহাসচিবকে প্রদত্ত প্রেসিডেন্ট জাতিসংঘ ডকুমেন্টস ২২ অক্টোবর, ১৯৭১ PRESIDENT YAHYA KHAN S REPLY, DATED OCTOBER 22, 1971, TO U. N. SECRETARY-GENERAL'S LETTER OF OCTOBER 20, 1971 I have today received your message of October 20, 1971, through my Ambassador. I fully agree with your appreciation of the gravity of situation which is worsening rapidly on Indo-Pakistan borders. I also fully share your concern for preservation of place and prevention of a disastrous situation developing for both the countries which could only result in suffering for millions of people. Already, as a result of shelling of border village on our side, hundreds of men, women and children have been killed and wounded and large numbers rendered homeless. It is a pity that at a press Conference in New Delhi on October 19, 1971, the Indian Prime Minister has summarily rejected the proposal for withdrawal of forces of both countries from borders. The reason advanced for this is that Pakistan's lines of communications to borders are shorter than those of India. I do not wish to enter into a controversy on this point and would suggest that withdrawals of men-power along with armour and artillery may take place all along the Indo-Pakistan international frontiers both in East and West, if not to peace time stations, then at least to a mutually agreed safe distance on either side of the border to provide a sense of security on both sides. At the same time, armed infiltration and shelling into our borders in East Pakistan should cease. I further recommend that U. N. observers on both sides of borders should oversee the withdrawal and supervise the maintenance of peace. Only the recognized border security and police forces should then remain at border posts which they have traditionally occupied. I also welcome the offer you have made for making your good offices available and very much hope that you can pay an immediate visit to India and Pakistan to discuss the ways and means of withdrawal of forces. This, I am sure, will have a salutary and desirable effect, and further the cause of peace. In view of the urgency and gravity of the situation, confirmed by Indian leaders on October 19" last, threatening to occupy and hold border cities of Lahore and Sialkot, a public declaration by you of your intention to visit India and Pakistan to seek a settlement of differences would be most desirable. In conclusion, I assure you of full co-operation on the part of my country in all your efforts directed towards the preservation of peace. Please accept, Excellency, the assurances of my highest consideration.