they continue to supply arms to the Military Rules and thus continue to encourage them. The last question that he asked is whether we should step the aid that comes to us from the US in the matter of refugees. Let us try to understand the situation cleanly. The re-fugues in India are, firstly, they are Pakistan's responsibility and we have reserved our right to ask for adequate compensation for looking after the Pakistan citizens in India. In the second place, this is very much the responsibility of the international community. It is no help to India if any country, in response to the call of the UN secretary-General. Contributes to the looking after of the refugees. This in the international responsibility and we should continue to take this attitude that it is for the entire international community to look after the refugees and to bear the expenditure. Let us not mix our sense of pride with this issue which is a hard and necked issue. It is very much international responsibility and it does not do us any good to feel very angry in this matter.
SHRI NIREN GOSH: Just now the Minister has made a very revealing statement or remark. It is this that they are Pakistan citizens-the refuges-and we are reserve our right to claim compensation. The question arises, if we recognize Bangladesh, they will not remain Pakistani refugees and they would have become the citizen of Bangladesh driven by the Pakistani aggressors into our country. The question arises -is it precisely because to avoid that situation, that the Government is not giving recognition to Bangladesh? Though it may not be the case but the way he has put it, the question arises and so I would like a clarification on this.
SARDAR SWARAN SINGH: Why should you make statements which help the other party? Are you helping them or us?
SHRI NIREN GHOSH: Mr. Swarn singh, unfortunately the point of view of the Government and we, on the Opposition, on certain points, differ. Let us remember it .That is not our fault. We wanted to be and with the Government on this question but by way you are tackling this, you have driven us to this position. That is a very unfortunate thing, regrettable thing, but that position exists now. We have no other option.
Secondly, I would like to ask-though he has tied to bypass the question-if the question of recognition and arms supply is not related. Now, after March25 If we had given recognition then we would have given them arms. Of course, after recognition it would have become our commitment. Then if the U.S continued to supply arms to Pakistan, in that case it would have become clear that the USA is supporting Pakistani aggression in Bangladesh and India is actively supporting the freedom struggle by recognizing that country and giving them help. I it because of that you are not in a position to go against America? Is it because you are afraid of that that you do not take up this position? It said in the country that the Government of India cannot do without American aid. If that is the position, If America does not want that recognition should be given to Bangladesh, you are unable to take up a different position.
I would also like to ask another thing. Are you considering any other step except what you say, a strong note? If you are not prepared to precisely define it, at least give us some indication and say whether you are prepared to take any other step to express our
