Foreign Relations of the United States, 1969–1976, Volume XI, South Asia Crisis, 1971
Document 66
66. Telegram From
the Embassy in Pakistan
to
the Department of State
1
Islamabad
,
June 5, 1971, 1123Z
.
5530. Subj: General Refugee Situation. Ref: Islamabad 5528.
2
1.
I met with President
Yahya Khan
at his office in Rawalpindi on Saturday, June 5 at 1200 hours. During the 50 minute conversation which ensued I discussed with
Yahya
, among other subjects which are reported by
septel
s,
3
the general refugee situation and the multitudinous problems which it presented.
2.
I introduced this subject by underscoring President
Nixon
ʼs satisfaction with the May 24 statement
4
which
Yahya
had issued. Noting that Washington was encouraged by
GOP
ʼs plan to set up refugee reception centers in East Pakistan,
5
I expressed the hope that these

centers would quickly be activated. I also pointed out that there had been a most favorable reaction to his indicated willingness to repatriate all except “criminals” who, presumably, would be but a very small percentage. In this connection I expressed my belief that it would be most helpful if he would specifically indicate that Hindus would also be welcomed back, suggesting that this could be done by emphasizing publicly that all bona fide refugees regardless of religious origin could and should return to their homes. I suggested that this type of pronouncement would be favorably received by the
GOI
and should also have a salutary impact on world opinion.
Yahya
ʼs immediate answer was to the effect that his May 24 statement was all inclusive and that there was no differentiation between Muslims and Hindus. He added, however, that he had no objection whatsoever in making a statement as suggested, and that he would most certainly do so. After thinking aloud for a few moments as to the timing of such a statement, he said he felt that it most appropriately could be incorporated into his major radio address to the nation which was being formulated and which would be broadcast soon.
3.
I went on to note that the flow of refugees continued and that this flow is symptomatic of the serious situation in East Pakistan. I pointed out that the Embassy continued to receive reports of Hindu villages being attacked by the army, that fear is pervasive, and that until this situation changes the refugees will continue to cross over into India. And I reiterated the
USG
ʼs concern that at some point the Hindu exodus, if not checked, could lead to a military clash with India. I said that the continued massive flow of refugees remains the most explosive aspect of the East Pakistan situation. Observing that the
USG
had urged restraint on the
GOI
, I said that nevertheless a heavy responsibility still rests on Pakistan. Realistically speaking, I observed that one could hardly expect the flow to cease until the level of military activity by the army is reduced and repressive measures against the local population, especially the Hindus, was ended.
4.
While in no way admitting definite Hindu repression,
Yahya
said that he was equally seized with concern over the refugee situation and realized all of its ramifications and its potential for the direst of developments. He declared that in a continuing effort to alleviate the problems generally, to minimize the outward movement of East Pakistanis, and to restore a climate of normalcy, he had already sent specific orders to East Pakistan and in addition had dispatched a number of officers charged with the carrying out of these specifics: both actions he thought would have a salutary effect on the situation. He said every effort was being made to seal the borders and to expedite the return soonest of those persons dislocated by the conflict. He added that most assuredly he would give this matter his continuing

attention. He concluded his comments by saying that his information indicated that the outflow had substantially decreased and that conversely many were moving back into East Pakistan and that processing of those individuals for onward movement to their homes had already begun.
Farland
Contents
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Abbreviations