think it is tragic that Pakistan should feel it necessary for their unity and survival to imagine a constant confrontation with India.
Mr. Jhabvala: Madam Prime Minister, you have just said that you think there is a greater understanding now within the Nixon Administration about the situation in the sub-continent. But what would be the reaction of India if this greater understanding is not translated into some concrete meaningful action, as has been suggested by you?
Prime Minister: We are a very balanced people, Mr. Jhabvala, You have noticed that we have had conflicts with people-for instance, China-but we have remained very restrained and balanced, and we have stuck to our basic policy. We shall be unhappy if the U.S. docs anything which is what we consider against Indian interests, but we shall not lose our heads over it.
Mr. Spivak: Madam Prime Minister, obviously you think there is a solution to this very serious problem, and we seem unable to find the solution and the U.N. seems unable to find the solution. What is the solution that you propose?
Prime Minister: The solution which we had proposed earlier, and I think is the only valid one today, is that some talks should be held with the acknowledged leader of the people of East Bengal, who is Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, and we must remember that he was-you know while I have been here references have been made to tremendous victory, majority, that I won in the last election in India. But if I may say so, Sheikh Mujib’s majority was even greater than mine, and his elections were held in far more adverse conditions, that is, under the present military regime. His programme for the elections, his campaign, was put squarely and honestly before the Government and the people, and it is on the basis of that he won this tremendous victory.
Now, you suddenly say that, well you know, he is a traitor. He did not ask for independence, by the way. It was just limited autonomy, trade with India and some points like that. The Government of Pakistan in its wisdom, or unwisdom, whichever you would like to call it, arrested him, declared him a traitor. And they are trying to hold re-elections for the seats where the member still exist. They are there. And what has shocked us is that. I think, about 55 people have been declared elected, unopposed, to these very seats where a fair and free election was held; it seems a strange thing to have an election and then send out, force people who were elected against you out of the country. It is a diabolical-that is the word which one of your colleagues used-way of solving your problems, just sending those who are opposed to one out of the country.
Mr. Spivak: And, are we to understand from what you say that you consider that the only solution to the problem?
Prime Minister: Yes, because how else will you know what they will accept and if they don't accept a solution, whether I think it is right or you think it is right the conflict will continue, because the conflict is theirs the movement, the struggle, is theirs.
Mr. Spivak: But isn’t that an internal problem, though?
