Q. You must have seen comments in the Press-I have in mind the British Press-which says that that the sub-continent-in the political analysis of the situation-is now wide open to big power-three powers-struggle that may transcend the entire rivalry between Pakistan and India.
A. We in India have never accepted the concept of a balance of power-a subject about which many western commentators have aired their views. It is for the people living in that region to work out their destiny and their future, and I have no doubt in my mind that with her traditions of democratic institutions, with the tradition of working out a federal democratic system, India will definitely provide the stability that is necessary. We have demonstrated even in this Indo-Pakistan conflict that we had not territorial designs against Pakistan, even though we are in full occupation of Bangladesh still we have said from the very beginning that it is for the people of Bangladesh to work out their future, and if the people in the various parts of the subcontinent are encouraged by the international community to decide their own future and to mould their own destiny, there will not be any scope for any outside interference. It is our earnest hope that any talk of external interference would not take any concrete shape.
Q.- Would you give us your reaction to the change of presidency in Pakistan?
A. Mr. Bhutto is no doubt the democratically elected leader of West Pakistan, because his party did have a clear majority in West Pakistan. It is significant to mention that he was content to be Deputy Prime Minister under. Mr.. Nurul Amin, who was designated as Prime Minister. But there is now recognition of the change in the situation and Nurul Amin now appears to be satisfied in accepting Vice-Presidentship. This indicates that Mr. Bhutto himself realizes that he is the leader of West Pakistan, rather than of the whole of Pakistan, because his party did not get a single seat in Bangladesh. So, we will be prepared to deal with whoever may be the head of government in Pakistan and Mr. Bhutto is as good as anyone else.
Q.- When will these negotiations take place, Mr. Singh?
A. We are prepared to start them immediately and I am not sure whether Pakistan is yet ready to do so. May be, on account of the big changes, the overhaul of their defence forces and the rest, the may take some time before they are ready to start negotiations. On our side, we are prepared to start straightway.
Q.- Do you consider the release of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman a condition which has to be fulfilled before you start negotiations?
A. My own assessment is that, on the political level, things in Pakistan are likely to move quite swiftly. Whereas the military generals always had a military approach, president Bhutto is likely to make swift political moves and obviously the political move which is likely to be made is to try to persuade Sheikh Mujib, and in that connection, I think, the early release of sheikh Mujibur Rahman, cannot be ruled out. We would very much like him to be released.
Q.- Does not the threat of Mr. Bhutto to fight on disturb you at all?
