regions. It was incumbent for the Awami League to consult, discuss and, take into consideration the views and aspirations of those elected from the other wing of the country. This, of course, that Awami League junta did not care to do and all political discussion ended in sterile confrontation. The Awami League leaders insisted only on what they considered was in the interest of their party whereas there were those like the President of Pakistan, who had to be, and were concerned, with a larger picture not only for Pakistan but for all South East Asia.
13. It is unjust and quite incorrect to charge that the Government of Pakistan imposed its will on a population which had spoken unanimously and whose aspirations were reasonable, as already pointed out to President Podgorny in electing the representatives of the Awami League, the people of East Pakistan did not give them a mandate to demand separation. Mr. Hamidul Haq Chowdhury, one of the East Pakistani leaders who was a Foreign Minister in 1955-56, pointed out the other day in Dacca, the entire adult population of East Pakistan went to the polls on the 7th December last year to elect members for a single national assembly and to make a constitution for one country, not for two. That election was not a plebiscite or a referendum for enabling the people of Pakistan or even the people of East Pakistan to vote on the issue whether they wanted to stay in the Republic of Pakistan or wanted to separate. That election was organized within the framework of one State. The moment the junta of the Awami League broke out of that framework and made a demand for dismembering the country, the state had the right to outlaw the party and to arrest its leaders. In no country of the world is it held a reasonable aspiration for people belonging to one part of the State to separate and claim independence for themselves. There could be neither sense nor stability in international life and international relations if any such right or custom was upheld.
14. Finally, with reference to your appeal for the restoration of legitimate and responsive government in Last Pakistan with all possible haste, may I point out that the President of Pakistan, in his broadcast of March 26 (enclosed) has pledged himself in these words.
“Let me assure you that my main aim remains the same, namely, transfer of power to the elected representatives of the people. As soon as the situation permits I will take fresh steps towards, the achievement of this objective. It is my hope that the law and order situation will soon return to normal in East Pakistan and we can again move forward towards our cherished goal”
Again, on April 5, the President in his reply to President Podgorny of the Soviet Union reiterated his pledge in the following words:
“I would like to inform your Excellency, in conclusion, that my objective remains the same and that I intend to start talks with rational representative elements in East Pakistan at the earliest opportunity.”
15. As I have said earlier, your advertisement has scarred Pakistan's image it is a pity that this should have been done by people like you whose good will is undoubted than by those who hate us and hate Pakistan. All of us are profoundly pained at the turn of events.
