Foreign Relations of the United States, 1969–1976, Volume XI, South Asia Crisis, 1971
Document 261
261. Telegram From
the Department of State
to
the Embassy in India
1
Washington
,
December 9, 1971, 0152Z
.
221830. Ref: New Delhi 18944.
2
Subj: East Pakistan: Minorities, Pak Army, Third Country Nationals.
1.
We were interested in your conversation with
DefSec
K.B. Lall as we have been increasingly concerned about possibility of major bloodletting directed at non-Bengali minorities and remnants of Pak forces. We also have major concern in regard security third country nationals in Dacca.
2.
We welcome Lallʼs statement that India considers it is responsible for safeguarding lives of Biharis and Punjabis. We hope
GOI
will

take whatever action is possible to fulfill this responsibility, including impressing on authorities under its control need to begin process of public reassurance.
3.
In regard to Pak army, see
septel
3
regarding Lallʼs “personal suggestion” to end conflict in East Pakistan. We note
GOI
appeals for surrender to Indian forces and welcome Indian assurances that prisoners will be given protection of Geneva Convention.
4.
We are greatly concerned over security of third country nationals. In view of difficulties we are facing in regard to evacuation, we recognize possibility some such nationals will remain in Dacca throughout conflict and will require careful protection.
5.
For New Delhi
: You should seek urgent appointment with
FonSec
Kaul
to discuss these matters. During your conversation you should repeat statements made by K.B. Lall in regard to Indian responsibility for safeguarding lives of Biharis and Punjabis. You should indicate our great concern that retaliation against Biharis be prevented, concern which General Assembly resolution indicates is shared by world community as a whole. You should press for categoric and explicit affirmation by
Kaul
of
GOI
responsibility already accepted by Lall.
6.
You should also raise subject of protection of military prisoners indicating that we have noted
GOI
statements that prisoners will be given protection of Geneva Convention. You should note that attention of world community will similarly be focused on this issue; that we presume
GOI
will make maximum effort prevent Bangla Desh retaliation against remnants of Pak forces.
7.
In regard third country nationals, you should say that we are in close touch with
UN
in continuing to try air evacuation, but military situation and condition of Dacca runways may prevent this. In the event that air evacuation possible,
UN
may make urgent short-notice request of
GOI
for ceasefire and guarantee of safety for airlift. In the event air evacuation is not feasible we will ask
GOI
to ensure that Indian forces and Mukti Bahini are notified that special efforts should be made to protect third country nationals who will probably be collected in identified areas.
GOI
will recognize protection of these nationals will be of great importance to international community and
UN
.
8.
For Islamabad
: If you believe it is possible, we believe it would be also highly desirable if you could convey to
GOP
our humanitarian concerns with respect to minorities and our hope that Pakistan Army

and administration will avoid actions which could intensify already inflamed communal animosities. We recognize this is extremely sensitive subject and leave it to your discretion how and at what level such points might be got across.
Irwin
Contents
Preface
Sources
Abbreviations