even if they stayed in barracks, the movement of army supplies must continue. Sheikh Mujib then stated that the movement of such army personnel in trucks was a provocation to the people since earlier there had been so many incidents where innocent unarmed civilians had been fired upon by military personnel. Indeed, very near Jaydevpur where the latest encounter had taken place only a few days earlier, innocent young unarmed persons had been fired upon by army personnel killing some of them, so that the emotions of the local people had been aroused. Sheikh Mujib urged that, given the roused feelings of the people, the army should not offer provocations. He also said that you know if unarmed people kept being shot at, ultimately they may also be forced to take up arms to shoot back, therefore, it was desirable that there should be a political solution and no further blood-shed.
This strong statement by Sheikh Mujib seems to have had some effect on Yahya, who then reverted to the question of a political solution, by saying that he was a simple man and although he was ready in principle to accept Sheikh Mujib's demands, he had been told by this experts that the withdrawal of Martial Law before a Constitution came into force would create a legal vacuum. Cornelius picked up this point and read a short lecture on Constitutional Law and the need for there to be an ultimate source of authority in any legal system. I immediately countered by saying that there need be no such vacuum an Instrument was promulgated by Yahya in the form of an Interim Arrangements Order which would be valid and remain in force till such time as the Constitution was adopted. Since arguments on this point tended to go on, I thought there might be a way out by suggesting that this point could be examined by a Constitutional cxpcrt, such as A K Brohi, whose views would be adopted by them.I knew that Brohi was in Dacca and was confident that his opinion would support the Awami Langue position, since it was legally sound. I also knew that Cornelius specially respected Brohi and was therefore likely to accept this suggestion. My assessment proved to be right, for Cornelius reacted by saying that such an opinion would be helpful. I undertook to obtain and forward such an opinion. Sheikh Mujib turned to Yahya and said that it was for experts to find a way to give effect to the political decision which they would arrive at “If we agree to give the necessary directions it will be the duty of experts to them” he asserted.
It was then proposed that the basic points which were to be incorporated in the proposed document to be drawn up should be noted down. These were to be worked out in the draft proclamation:
a) Withdrawal of Martial law
b) Transfer of power to elected representatives
c) Enjoyment of greater autonomy by Eastern wing (It was emphasized that this must be on the basis of the Six-Point scheme)
It was agreed that the President's Advisers would sit with the Awami League team the same evening to discuss how to give effect to this decision.
Yahya then raised the point that he thought that it would be necessary for him to consult West Pakistan leaders. Sheikh Mujib said that this was a matter for him to consult West Pakistan leaders. Sheik Mujib' said that this was a matter for him and he was free to proceed as he wished. Yahya said that he considered if essential for him to
