of India to reflect upon the implications of stating that the borders between India and Pakistan are to be heated as an exception to the general rules of international conduct, and whether that is the best way to promote peace and stability between our two countries.
I have not come here to score debating points. The situation in the sub-continent has become tense as a result of happenings on the borders of the eastern part of Pakistan and India. The Secretary-General of the United Nations has drawn attention to the danger to peace if the situation is “not remedied quickly. My Government has given proof of its desire find a settlement with India, not-let me repeat-over Pakistan's internal problems, but over the only problem which is a concern and a burden to the Indian people, namely, the refugee problem.
Yesterday, there was a call by the Foreign Minister of the U. S. S. R. for proceeding with caution and statesmanship in dealing with the present situation. We welcome that appeal and hope that the Government of India will pay heed to it. Yesterday, also, I heard well intentioned advice from a number of friendly countries on the need to fine a political settlement to the problem. If they will permit me to answer them from this rostrum that is precisely the objective and the goal towards which the President of Pakistan is moving and which he is determined to attain, notwithstanding all obstacles and difficulties.
The Foreign Minister of India himself recounted the steps President Yahya Khan has taken to this end, namely, the holding of general elections, acceptance of basic demands of the people and negotiations with leaders of political parties. The process has been interrupted, but not terminated its culmination will be a free and democratic and united Pakistan, willing to live in peace and friendship with all countries. Peace and stability in the sub-continent would be strengthened and the sufferings of the refugees would be more quickly ended if the Government of India could reconcile itself to this prospect, instead of seeking to create, as the Defence Minister of India said in New Delhi last week, a situation in which Pakistan would have no alternative but to break up.
