বাংলাদেশের স্বাধীনতা যুদ্ধ দলিলপত্র (ত্রয়োদশ খণ্ড)/৫৩
| শিরোনাম | সূত্র | তারিখ |
| সিনেটর রবার্ট সি বায়ার্ডকে লিখিত পররাষ্ট্র দপ্তর কর্মকর্তার চিঠি | পররাষ্ট্র দপ্তর | ২১ এপ্রিল, ১৯৭১ |
DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Washington, D.C. 20510.
United States Senate
Washington, D.C. 20520
Dear Senator Byrd:
I have received your inquiry dated March 30, conveying Mr. and Mrs. Fred Stottlemyer's views on East Pakistan.
As former Peace Corps Volunteers in East Pakistan, the Stottlemyers' concern over the tragic developments there, and especially the use of U. S.-supplied arms, is understandable. The fact is that Department of State spokesmen have repeatedly addressed these matters in official statements over the past several weeks. These statements, however, have not received all the publicity which we feel they have deserved.
We have expressed concern over the loss of life and damage which have occurred in East Pakistan and the hope that peaceful conditions will be restored there. We have extended our sympathy to the victims of these events. We have stated our belief that it is important that every feasible step be taken to end the conflict and achieve a peaceful accommodation. We have emphasized our willingness to support any international humanitarian relief effort to alleviate the suffering caused by these events. We have also discussed these matters with the Government of Pakistan and will continue to do so.
As for the particular points raised by Mr. and Mrs. Stottlemyer, I wish to assure you that such views are being seriously considered by the Department. Our spokesmen have specifically stated our concern when American weapons are used in such situations. The Department has announced that no arms have been provided to the Government of Pakistan since this crisis began and that the question of military sales shipments to Pakistan is being reviewed. The question of recognition of an independent Government in East Pakistan has not arisen since the United States has not received such a request.
According to the best available information there is no imminent threat of famine in Hast Pakistan although local food shortages may exist. We understand that about 900,000 tons of food grain, including large quantities of U.S. PL-480 wheat, are either in Government stocks in East Pakistan, at ports or on the way there. An additional 300,000 tons of U. S. food grain have been authorized and will move forward to East Pakistan as soon as deliveries can be made. We have taken up with the Government of Pakistan the urgent need to resolve the present problems of port congestion and distribution of food to people throughout East Pakistan and we will continue to address this problem on a priority basis.
I enclose for your reference a compilation of statements on the East Pakistan situation made by the Department's spokesmen over 'the past three weeks. I hope this information will be helpful to you in replying to Mr. and Mrs. Stottlemyer. Please continue to call on me whenever you believe we might be of assistance.
Sd/-
David M. Abshire
Assistant Secretary for
Congressional Relations.
Enclosures:
1. Compilation of statements.
2. Correspondence returned.