বাংলাদেশের স্বাধীনতা যুদ্ধ দলিলপত্র (ত্রয়োদশ খণ্ড)/৫৭
| শিরোনাম | সূত্র | তারিখ |
| সিনেটর কেনেডীর কাছে লিখিত পররাষ্ট্র দপ্তরের পত্রগুচ্ছ | সিনেট জুডিশিয়ারী কমিটির শরণার্থী উপকমিটির রিপোর্টঃ পরিশিষ্ট-৪ | ২৮ জুন, ১৯৭১ |
(Senate Judiciary Refugees Subcommittee Report Relief problems in East Pakistan and India: Appendix IV, June 28, 1971)
Washington, D.C., April 20, 1971.
Sub-committee on Refugees
Committee on the Judiciary
U. S. Senate
Washington D. C.
DEAR SENATOR KENNEDY: The Secretary has asked me to reply to your letter of April 6, 1971 concerning the civil strife in East Pakistan and expressing your views on the position which the U. S. Government should assume toward the situation there.
We are prepared to share fully with you our information on the situation in East Pakistan. In that connection I am pleased that Deputy Assistant Secretary Christopher Van Hollen accompanied by Mr. Herbirt Rees of AID and Mr. Cleve Fuller of the Department discussed many aspects of the East Pakistan situation last week with Mr. Dale de Hanii and Mr. Jerry Tinker of the Committee staff. Assistant Secretary Sisco will be glad to give you any additional information you may desire.
As Mr. Van Hollen emphasized during that meeting, we share your concern about East Pakistan and have not been silent about the situation there. On a number of occasions since the military action began on March 25, the Department of State spokesman has underscored our concern about the death and destruction in the area, our willingness to assist the Government of Pakistan as part of an international humanitarian effort, and our hope for a political accommodation.
We have also expressed our concern over the use of American arms in East Pakistan, although, I should add, our information on the use of such arms is quite limited. It seems likely that arms acquired from a number of countries, including China the USSR, and the UK, also have been used. Since we placed an overall embargo on Map assistance to Pakistan in 1965, we have supplied no lethal end-items of military equipment to Pakistan. Last October we announced a onetime exception to sell to Pakistan a limited quantity of lethal arms. Nothing has been delivered following this decision nor is anything in the pipeline under this decision, Technical talks on the subject have not been held during the past six weeks. The matter is being kept under review.
In addition, we have a modest program of cash and credit sales to Pakistan of non-lethal military end-items as well as some spare parts and ammunition. We have been informed by the Department of Defense that none of these items has been provided to the Pakistan Government or its agents since the outbreak of fighting in East Pakistan March 25, 26, and nothing is presently scheduled for such delivery,
Like you, we have noted reports of imminent food shortages in East Pakistan and possible famine. We are watching this potential problem very closely. At last account, Pakistan Government stocks stood at 700,000 tons of food grains, or four months supply for the urban areas at normal rates of off take. Over 200,000 tons is enroute from various countries, including the U.S. A further 300,000 tons for U.S. grain has been authorized and will move as soon as conditions are created in East Pakistan where unloading and the movement of grains can take place. The problem at the moment is not supply but distribution. We, therefore, have been urging the Government of Pakistan to make every effort to the unloading of the grains and to open up distribution channels so that the food can be distributed promptly and equitably throughout East Pakistan. If future needs require, we would of course immediately consider additional PL-480 shipments.
At the time of Mr. Van Hollen's meeting, our information was that there had not been any substantial flow or refugees from East Pakistan into India. Since then, press reports indicate that the Pakistan Army has consolidated its position and moved closer to the Indian border. As a consequence, there has been an increased flow of refugees into India. We have asked the Government of India to give us up-to-date information about the situation and have reiterated our willingness to support any necessary relief effort on the part of international organizations such as the U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees, the League of Red Cross Societies, and the World Food Program.
In light of the possibly serious situation that may be developing in respect to a food shortage and also refugee requirements, there is an active and continuous interagency review of the need for relief in East Pakistan and for refugees. We are inventorying resources which we and other nations might draw on to meet these needs.
We have provided members of your staff with a compilation of the Department of State's Statements on East Pakistan a copy of which is enclosed. These relate to our concern over the situation there, our hope that the Pakistan Government will avail itself of international humanitarian offers of assistance, and our concern over the use of U.S. arms. We have also conveyed these concerns privately to the Government of Pakistan on a number of occasions, both here and in Islamabad, and will continue to do so.
We will give the East Pakistan situation our very closest attention and will also continue to remain in close touch with members of your staff on aspects of the situation in which you and your staff are interested.
Sincerely yours,
Assistant Secretary for Congressional Relations.
Enclosure:
Washington, D.C., May 10, 1971
Chairman, Subcommittee on Refugees
Committee on the Judiciary
U. S. Senate
Washington, D. C.
DEAR MR. CHAIRMAN: I want to bring you up to date on developments since my letter of April 20 which affect our mutual interest in helping to meet the humanitarian needs produced by the situation in East Pakistan. I am focusing primarily on emergency relief efforts for the growing number of refugees from East Pakistan in India.
East Pakistani Refugees in India
The refugee flow from East Pakistan to India has increased substantially in the past three weeks. The Government of India says the total is now 1.8 million. Although we have no exact figures, at least 526,000 are said to be in camps-most of them in West Bengal.
In a letter from India's UN Ambassador Sen to UN Secretary General U Thant. India on April 23 formally requested UN assistance for the refugees. The Secretary General has referred this request to the UN High Commissioner for Refugees Prince Sadruddin Aga Khan, who had sent a special three-man team to New Delhi May 5 to assess needs and develop a plan of international action. We have formally told both the Government of India and the High Commissioner that we will participate in an international relief effort for these refugees. We believe this relief effort should be truly international and non-political, with the international and voluntary agencies involved given facilities to make objective assessments of needs and reasonable inspections of the use of the relief supplies.
While this UNHCR effort is being organized, we have concurrently begun to provide emergency food assistance for 217,000 refugees in West Bengal. This assistance is being distributed by three American voluntary agencies already operating in India-CARE, Catholic Relief Services and Church World Service/Lutheran World Relief. These voluntary agencies are drawing on existing PL-150 Title II stocks in India, which are being replenished. Food will likely continue to be the most useful item we can supply in this situation, and we are taking steps to assure that additional food is available to meet expected requirements. All this food assistance will be provided as a part of the international relief program organized by the UN High Commissioner for Refugees. We have informed the Pakistan Government of the Title II assistance to the refugees and it has expressed no objection to American voluntary agencies engaging in the distribution of relief supplies to the refugees.
To date we have authorized up to $25 million in food and other assistance as our initial contribution to the international relief effort.
Representatives of American voluntary agencies who have visited some of the refugee camps report no serious food shortages as of that time, and no unusual evidence of disease. such as cholera or smallpox. The flow of additional refugees may continue high, however, at least until the beginning of the monsoon in a few weeks, when both military operations and travel will become more difficult. For this reason, we have urged both the UNHCR and the Government of India to mount the international relief effort as quickly as possible. The World Food Program has responded by authorizing release to the Government of India for refugee feeding all their stocks in, India of non-fat dry milk and edible oil. With respect to wheat and rice, the Government has said that their stocks arc adequate and will be made available for the refugees, with the expectation that the supply will be replenished through the World Food Program.
Relief in East Pakistan
We continue to be seriously concerned about the situation arising from the civil disturbances and general disruption of life in East Pakistan. As you are aware, we have expressed this concern publicity on a number of occasions and privately to the Government of Pakistan, the United Nations, the governments of other interested countries, and American and international relief organizations. We have discussed humanitarian relief efforts with them all and have undertaken appropriate contingency planning.
In taking these initiatives and preparing contingency programs, we recognize that the problem is basically that of the Governments and people immediately concerned. Unless their resources are mobilized, those of the international community alone cannot meet the need.
To recapitulate what we have done to date, we have:
associated the U.S. Government with UN Secretary General U Thant's April 1 offer of international humanitarian relief for East Pakistan if requested by the Government of Pakistan.
expressed hope that the Government of Pakistan will avail itself of offers of assistance from the international community,
reviewed the food grain situation and future needs in East Pakistan and confirmed the assessment by the Pakistani authorities that the main short-term problem is improved internal distribution: alleviating port congestion; reestablishing inland transportation; and reviving public works projects to increase purchasing power.
conferred with the Pakistan central and provincial governments on how to overcome these distribution problems and how the U.S. Government, in concert with others, might be helpful.
indicated that we are ready to move, as soon as the local situation permits, to resume rehabilitation projects in the cyclone disaster area along the East Pakistan coast, where there is an especially urgent need for food supplies. We can draw on the $7.5 million in dollars and over $ 100 million in US-owned Pakistani currency made available by Congress for rehabilitation projects. We can also move forward an agreement to provide 150,000 tons of foodgrains for rehabilitation purposes in the cyclone disaster area. Also held in readiness a further 170,000 tons of wheat, the balance from an earlier agreement for East Pakistan as a whole, to be shipped as soon as port and distribution facilities permit.
Though to date there has been no specific request from the Government of Pakistan for international relief assistance in East Pakistan, we have been informed that the Government would welcome such assistance. It is now in the process of compiling lists of supplies that may be needed in East Pakistan, and intends to approach friendly governments, in due course.
We will continue to keep in close touch with you and with your staff on the situation in East Pakistan and on the refugee problem.
Sincerely yours,
Assistant Secretary, Congressional Relations.
WASHINGTON D. C. JUNE 15, 1971.
Subcommittee on Refugees
Committee on the Judiciary U. S. Senate.
DEAR MR CHAIRMAN: Thank you for your further letter, dated May 27, on the situation in East Pakistan and the heavy flow of refugees into India, and for the suggestions you have made for U. S. bilateral and multi-lateral action on these very pressing and serious problems.
At the out set, I wish to reassure you that the United States Government views, with the same compassion you do, the plight of the people in East Pakistan and the refugees in India. We have responded directly and in cooperation with other countries to the requirements of peace and humanitarian relief in this area. We shall continue to do so.
I am enclosing a Department of State Press Release of June 12 which sets forth our recent actions to support relief efforts for East Pakistan and for the refugees in India and which also describes the three basic elements of U. S. policy regarding the East Pakistan situation. It demonstrates that we have responded promptly and positively to the emergency needs of both countries when requested. The following additional comments bring our actions up to date and respond to specific points you have raised.
In your letter you speak first of the need for individual governments and the United Nations to encourage and facilitate a political accommodation in East Pakistan. We have been urging such an accommodation publicly, and privately in discussions with the Government of Pakistan and have noted that President Yahya, in his May 24 press conference in Karachi, affirmed his intention to return power to the elected representatives. While the United Nations, as you know cannot intervene in the political aspects of this situation, its participation in the humanitarian relief efforts both in East Pakistan and in India could be helpful in promoting peace and conciliation in the area.
We also recognize the imperative need to them the flight of refugees into India and facilitate the return of those who have already fled from East Pakistan. We have discussed these issues as well with the Government of Pakistan and have been encouraged to note that it has publicly welcomed the return of the refugees has offered an amnesty, and is setting up reception centers along the border for the returnees. We are also pleased to note that, Prince Sadruddin Aga Khan the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, is visiting both Pakistan and India and that there are reports that first groups of refugees are returning to East Pakistan.
In the meantime we are giving high priority to emergency relief efforts in East Pakistan which you cite as your second suggestion. We agree that such a program is a necessary prelude for normalization of general economic assistance. Pakistan has sought assistance, as you state, in the form of food grains and water transport. Pending the launching of a coordinated international relief program under United Nations auspices, we have taken direct action relevant to these requirements as described in the enclosure. No request has yet been received from the Pakistan Government for medical supplies.
Thirdly you refer to diplomatic action to ameliorate the escalation of tensions between Pakistan and India. We have made and continue to make appropriate diplomatic representations to both the Governments, Urging them to exercise restraint towards each other in the present tense atmosphere,
Finally, with regard to the refugee relief problem in India, we have been responding promptly to meet the needs as they develop. There have been no delays in, our efforts which have been initiated within the framework of international assistance effort but on a preliminary basis while the effort was being formally organized. In the interim, we released Title II food stocks to various voluntary agencies operating in India for refugee feeding in mid-April. We have since extended our assistance to provide enough food to feed 1,250,000 refugees daily. Similarly, we have sent four C130 aircraft to airlift refugees from Tripura to Assam and to bring relief supplies from Assam to Tripura in response to an Indian request which came to us through the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. The plains carried 1,000,000 doses of U. S. produced cholera vaccine to help combat the epidemic that has broken out among the refugees. In recognition of the continuing emergency. We have now authorized a further allocation for food and cash aid of $15 million bringing our total assistance to $17.5 million.
As you know, $500,000 of the $2.5 million initially allocated by the U. S. Government for refugee relief in India was allocated to the UNHCR immediately after the UN Secretary General's appeal was made. We will continue to assist the High Commissioner in funding some of his organization's activities and expenses but we will also continue to extend relief directly through U. S. voluntary agencies within the framework of the international program. Likewise, in East Pakistan, we are extending assistance bilaterally, pending the organization of an international relief operation. Most importantly, we have offered the Government of Pakistan a grant of SI million to finance the chartering of coastal and river vessels to carry needed food and other relief supplies from the ports to inland distribution points. And we are prepared to move ahead quickly with more shipments of food grains when they can be received at the ports and utilized.
Responsive to the Pakistan Government's formal request to the U.N. for relief assistance on May 22, the Secretary General has sent a special envoy to Islamabad to arrange for the international effort. We understand that the necessary arrangements have been made and that a special U. N. representative is being stationed in Dacca to plan and coordinate international relief assistance.
Our purposes, like yours, arc to ensure effective relief for both the people of East Pakistan and the refugees who have fled to India. I wish to assure you that the United States Government is actively moving to employ all appropriate resources, both bilaterally and through international organizations to achieve these humanitarian purposes.
Recognizing your understandable and real interest in the refugee and relief situation in South Asia. We will continue to keep you advised of significant developments as they occur.
Please continue to call on me whenever you believe we might be of assistance.
Sincerely yours,
Assistant Secretary for Congressional Relations
Enclosure.
Press Release dated June 12.