Foreign Relations of the United States, 1969–1976, Volume XI, South Asia Crisis, 1971
Document 47
47. Telegram From
the Embassy in Pakistan
to
the Department of State
1
Islamabad
,
May 14, 1971, 1045Z
.
4655. Subj: Flow of Hindu Refugees to India. Ref: State 83656.
2
1.
We share Departmentʼs concern that continued massive outflow of East Pak refugees may have serious consequences, both in terms of

human suffering and increased danger of Indo/Pak conflict. Action of sort mentioned by
FonSec
Kaul
para 5 New Delhi 7022
3
for example would almost certainly lead to war. As practical matter, only way to “force”
GOP
to put aside area for Hindus would be for Indian army to seize territory.
Kaul
ʼs approach to
US
can only be read as a “threat” despite his denial.
2.
As to
GOP
intentions re Hindus in East Pakistan, we think
Kaul
overstates position. We doubt that
GOP
has specific plan of action to drive out Hindu minority from East Pakistan. Nonetheless, thinking of West Paks, especially Punjab is colored by an emotional anti-Hindu bias. This has been buttressed in recent weeks by thrust of
GOP
propaganda line about East Pak situation which has stressed alleged role of Hindus (and Indians) in creating crisis. One aspect propaganda has been to play up supposedly important behind-scenes role of Hindus in Awami League.
3.
While we do not think army policy as such is to expel Hindus, army has clearly been singling out Hindus for especially harsh treatment.
4
Coupled with official anti-Hindu propaganda, army brutality has effect of spurring Hindu exodus. Faced with choice of uncertain and possibly physically unsafe future in East Pakistan, flight to India surely must be seen as lesser evil by many Hindus.
4.
Even though
GOP
may not be officially encouraging mass exodus, we doubt it sorry Hindus are leaving. Pak military probably view Hindu departure as blessing which reduces element [garble—they?] regard as untrustworthy and subversive. In this regard we would not be surprised if
GOP
developed future policy that removed those Hindus remaining in sensitive jobs such as teaching profession. It frequently charged that Hindu teachers have actively propagandized Bengali nationalism as way undermine belief of young in Pakistan. Another aspect of such policy might be re-institution of separate Hindu–Muslim electorates as means reducing importance of Hindu vote in any future balloting.
5.
We think
M.M. Ahmad
visit provides useful opportunity voice
USG
anxiety about implications continued Hindu exodus and would welcome Department discussing problem with him. We have already expressed our concern regarding the refugee situation in general terms here and believe Department could underscore line we have taken, i.e.: that it essential
GOP
stop the shooting and begin the rebuilding in East. While public statement by
GOP
could have beneficial effect, principal determinant of whether refugee flow is stemmed will be actions of Pak army, not
GOP
ʼs words.
6.
One aspect of problem, which not suitable for discussion with
M.M. Ahmad
but could usefully be raised with
GOI
, is Indiaʼs role in situation. Continued Indian support to East Pakistan resistance threatens itself to escalate Indo-Pak tensions and, together with Pak military action, tends encourage further population migration as people seek leave areas where fighting continues.
Farland
Contents
Preface
Sources
Abbreviations