Foreign Relations of the United States, 1969–1976, Volume XI, South Asia Crisis, 1971
Document 35
35. Telegram From
the Department of State
to
the Embassy in Pakistan
1
Washington
,
April 24, 1971, 1220Z
.
70700. Subject: Review East Pakistan Situation and
USG
Position.
1.
Prior Asst Secy
Sisco
ʼs departure for Middle East and as balancing action to
Sisco
conversation with Indian Amb
Jha
April 22,
2
Sisco
called in Pak Amb
Hilaly
April 23. Dep Asst Secy
Van Hollen
and Fuller,
NEA/PAF
, participated.
2.
Sisco
first summarized points made previous recent conversations with
Hilaly
, as follows:
A.
We have said both publicly and privately we regard East Pak situation as internal matter.
B.
Nonetheless, as friend of Pakistan, we have expressed concern re extensive loss of life, suffering and damage.
C.
We have also conveyed concern about use American arms.
D.
We have suggested
GOP
should consider availing itself of international offers of humanitarian assistance. We prepared to participate in such international effort if
GOP
desires.
E.
We have also expressed hope every effort can be made to improve situation in ports East Pak and to restore normal food distribution channels.
3.
Sisco
then said we consider that East Pakistan situation has entered new phase, in light following developments:
A.
Military have consolidated their position and extended control in many cases to Indian borders.
B.
There have been increasing reports of incidents between Indian and Pak military forces—both regular and irregular.
C.
Large number refugees have moved into adjacent areas of India.
D.
Problems have arisen re status Pak Deputy High Commission Calcutta and evacuation members Indian Deputy High Commission Dacca.
E.
Heated rhetoric and charges and counter-charges continue between India and Pakistan.
4.
In light above,
Sisco
asked
Hilaly
convey to
GOP
following supplemental points:
A.
Recent developments have increase international tension in area and prospects for Indo-Pak confrontation.
B.
In view of these circumstances, as friend, we hope
GOP
will exercise maximum restraint despite what it might consider provocations from other side.
C.
We want make clear we have forcefully conveyed to
GOI
our belief it too should act with restraint.
Sisco
said he had told Amb
Jha
India was now strong and stable as result election and consequently could be expected to act responsibly.
D.
Number of refugees has risen sharply during past week and we have noted
GOI
appeal for international assistance.
3
At
US
initiative,
Sisco
had discussed matter with
Jha
, told him of
US
humanitarian concern, and indicated we considering what contribution we might make if some international program was mounted.
4
Sisco
emphasized we recognized and were anxious not to get involved in sensitive political aspects refugee question. On other hand
Hilaly
should understand that if
USG
seems to stand still in any human crisis like that of East Pak refugees, it immediately is criticized by Congress and
US
people.
USG
does have humanitarian concern, as expressed in our previous offer of help to any international effort accepted by
GOP
in East Pakistan.
E.
Sisco
asked for report on situation East Pak and any moves toward political accommodation, noting we attach importance to such moves.
F.
Otherwise, there is prospect that continued tension in East Pakistan could lead directly to expansion of internal problem into an international issue involving the danger of Indo-Pakistan conflict and wider implications.
5.
Commenting on foregoing,
Hilaly
complained
GOI
says one thing and does something quite different. Cited Indian involvement in

ceremony just across border in East Pakistan announcing establishment Provisional Government Bangla Desh and special consideration given officials thereof through accommodation State Guest House, Calcutta. Condemned Indian handling of Pak Deputy High Commission problem in Calcutta.
6.
Hilaly
gave assurance on other hand
GOP
wishes avoid providing any pretext that
GOI
might use as causus belli. Indicated Pak army staying away from Indian border.
7.
On situation East Pakistan,
Hilaly
said military “mopping up” and will complete job in about five days. Dismissed threat of monsoon rains as inhibition to military operation and also dismissed threat of terrorist assassinations pro-
GOP
Bengalis;
GOP
will not be scared. Referred to appeal by
Tikka Khan
5
to politicians, Awami League members and even rebel military to associate with government or rejoin Army. Asserted they wonʼt be shot. In fact foreign press would be invited back to bear witness return of East Pak to normalcy. Said restoration port operations Chittagong and Chalna being given top priority.
8.
On question East Pak refugees in India,
Hilaly
forecast Indians will push up their inflated estimate of total by 60,000 a day until it reaches one million. Noted report that majority Pak refugees staying with “friends and relatives” in India and claimed actual refugees from East Pak could not be so absorbed.
9.
In somewhat heated reference to possible international assistance, strongly criticized
ICRC
intervention through sending plane from Geneva without permission
GOP
. Asserted
ICRC
Vice President had opposed move but “Indian influence” had prevailed.
Hilaly
went on to accuse foreigners in East Pakistan of strong partisanship and total acceptance Bengali charges against
GOP
. “Americans in Dacca are anti-West Pakistani”,
Hilaly
said.
11.
Despite these feelings about foreign offers of relief aid,
Hilaly
expressed personal view
GOP
would ultimately accept such aid. Referred to assessment of situation now under way in East Pak by senior officials from Islamabad. Said Paks would handle distribution of outside relief.
GOP
doesnʼt want foreigners coming in; instead plans organize local people. Warned against third countries associating selves with India in relief effort: “That simply wonʼt work.”
Hilaly
said Indiaʼs objective to internationalize East Pak situation to extent possible and in process involve other countries in its efforts.
12.
In conclusion
Hilaly
indicated West Pakistanis and others in Pakistan deeply concerned by “humiliating” situation that has arisen.

Do not want to be difficult re outside assistance, indeed need such assistance in liquidity crisis. However people of West Pak can be expected to be sensitive to forms international aid, particularly relief aid.
13.
For Islamabad:
Ambassador or
DCM
should follow up with
MFA
making same points conveyed by
Sisco
to
Hilaly
.
Rogers
Contents
Preface
Sources
Abbreviations