the assistance of advisers not drawn from the peoples' representatives. It was also proposed that the National Assembly be divided ab initio into two committees, one for West Pakistan comprised of the elected representatives from West Pakistan and the other for Bangladesh in Dacca. The committee would prepare their separate reports with a stipulated period and submit their proposals to the National Assembly. It would then be that task of the National Assembly to discuss and debate the proposal of both the committees and find out ways and means of living together. Under an interim arrangement, which was to be amended form of the 1962 Constitution, East Pakistan would be given autonomy on the basis of Six Points and the Provinces of the West wing would have powers as provided in the 1962 Constitution, but would be free to work out their quantum of autonomy according to a mutually acceptable procedure, subject to the President's approval. The entire scheme was to be published in the form of a Presidential Proclamation.
Bhutto then goes on to state that:
After narrating the proposal. Yahya told me (Bhutto) that he had made it clear to Sheikh Mujib that Yahya's concurrence to the proposal would be subject Primarily to Bhutto's agreement, but that he (Yahya) would be more satisfied if other leaders of West Pakistan would give their consent.
On the morning of 22 March, Sheikh Mujib called on Yahya to resume discussions while the written text of the draft proclamation was under discussion between the two teams. The white Paper's account that the President prevailed upon Bhutto himself to meet Sheikh Mujib is not true. Indeed, Sheikh Mujib, when he had gone for a meeting with Yahya, found Bhutto present and took the opportunity to draw him aside to have a few words with him. According to Sheikh Mujib he suggested to Bhutto that it would be better for them to talk outside in the verandah so that they may not be overheard. Bhutto's own account of this meeting is the following words:
On the morning of the 22nd I arrived at President House a few minutes before the appointed time. Mujibur Rahman arrived promptly at 11 O'clock. We greeted each other and exchanged a few formal words.
After that we were escorted to the President. Once again there were formal greeting....
Mujibur Rahman then turned the President and asked him if he had given his final approval to the proposals of the Awami League. The President reminded him that it was necessary for me also to agree and for that reason I was present at the discussions. On that Mujibur Rahman remarked that the proposals had been communicated to the President and it was for the President to convince me, and went on to say that once Mr. Bhutto agreed in principle to the proposals, they could hold formal discussion, but until then the discussions were of an informal nature and on leaving the President he would tell he had met the President and that Mr. Bhutto also happened to be present The President replied that this was not good enough, but Mujibur Rahman remained adamant.....
