Foreign Relations of the United States, 1969–1976, Volume XI, South Asia Crisis, 1971
Document 49
49. Telegram From
the Department of State
to
the Embassy in Pakistan
1
Washington
,
May 14, 1971, 2358Z
.
84783. Subject: Letter From President
Nixon
to President
Yahya
.
1.
We have transmitted separately to you text of May 7 letter
2
from President
Nixon
in reply to President
Yahya
ʼs letter of March 31.
3
It is our conclusion on basis your reports and related interagency discussion that only long term prospect for restoration of normal life in East Pakistan is through re-establishment of representative civilian govt in East Pakistan and greatly enhanced East Pakistani autonomy. This reasoning may not be fully shared in West Pakistan although we note increasing indications of intention on part of
MLA
to seek some sort of political accommodation (Islamabad 4331,
4
4332
5
). We hope President
Yahya
will reach this conclusion himself and work out transitional arrangements leading to cessation of direct military control and greater East Pakistani cooperation and autonomy. We should be prepared to assist toward this goal in any way possible.
2.
In this delicate interim period, while West Pakistanis coming to terms with situation, adjustments in our programs will be required for developmental reasons and to take account of
US
Congressional attitudes. However, these will not be used to apply political pressure, and our posture should be one of making serious effort to help President

Yahya
achieve peaceful settlement of underlying political problems which have caused present situation.
3.
Within foregoing general guidelines you should make following points to President
Yahya
: (a) the Presidentʼs letter is sent in spirit of friendship and concern for recent developments, (b) President welcomed opportunity he had last October to discuss Pakistanʼs political future with President
Yahya
, and would be most interested in
Yahya
ʼs current plans for accommodation with people and politicians of East Pakistan, (c) we recognize that problems have multiplied and grown in complexity in recent weeks, and we hope for a peaceful political accommodation which would permit people of Pakistan to turn their attention to rehabilitation, reconstruction and economic development, and avoid dangers of escalation, (d) we would be willing to be of assistance in facilitating an accommodation.
4.
With respect to economic development, you should indicate our pleasure that
M.M. Ahmad
is in Washington and that we have opportunity to discuss with him Pakistanʼs political prospects as well as
GOP
ʼs revised development efforts and its plans regarding international humanitarian assistance. President had a good talk with
Ahmad
on May 10 and was pleased to receive from him
Yahya
ʼs letter of April 17
6
(being repeated
septel
).
5.
With respect to relief and rehabilitation you should stress again our willingness to participate in reconstruction and rehabilitation efforts as required and our hope that cyclone rehabilitation work in particular can be fully resumed at an early date. We are pleased to note that
GOP
will soon be prepared to avail itself of offers of international humanitarian assistance. In this regard, you should emphasize the importance which we attach to such international efforts, and to resolution of internal communications problems in East Pakistan which affect our ability and that of others to meet relief needs. We would anticipate that representatives of the international relief organization and foreign voluntary agencies, would, as has been customary in such circumstances, expect some type of participation in administration and distribution of relief aid. Perhaps some arrangement can be worked out to meet needs of both sides.
6.
Finally should President inquire about status of our military supply policy you should note that this issue has not arisen as a question for policy decision, although we have had to review the subject in the light of current circumstances. In this connection, you may wish to refer to the growing Congressional, press and public concern which is being expressed over this issue. An example is the Case–Mondale resolution.
Rogers
Contents
Preface
Sources
Abbreviations