HINDUSTAN STANDARD,NOVEMBER 5, 1971
PM BEGINS CRUCIAL TALKS WITH NIXON
Washington, November 4.- Mrs. Gandhi today discussed with President Nixon the entire gamut of Indo- US relations which have been under a cloud for sometime following the US Government’s outright support to the military regime of Islamabad despite the genocide in East Bengal by the Pakistani Army report UNI and PTI.
The two leaders started their crucial meeting after both had reaffirmed at a White House welcoming ceremony the friendship between India and the US and their dedication to common ideals.
Mrs. Gandhi said she had come to the USA looking for a deeper understanding of the situation in the subcontinent while Mr. Nixon noted in what was thought as an implied reference to the Indo-Soviet treaty that the “special” Indo- US relations did not need any treaty commitment. As the talks started Mr. Nixon and Mrs. Gandhi were alone for sometime later they were joined by the US and Indian officials.
Among them were Mr. Nixon’s special adviser, Dr. Henry Kissinger, India’s Ambassador, Mr. L. K. Jha, Foreign Secretary, Mr. -T. N. Kaul and Secretary to the Prime Minister Mr. P. N. Haksar.
President Nixon is believed to have told Mrs. Gandhi that India should not be unduly worried about American military supplies to Pakistan which were only marginal and in any case, supplies had almost ended. His Government had been exerting all pressures it could on Gen. Yahya Khan, firstly not to execute Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and secondly, to have some kind of dialogue between Gen. Yahya Khan and the Bangladesh leaders with a view to arriving at a political settlement.
He is also understood to have said that Pakistan and India should agree to some kind of United Nations presence on both sides of the border. It might also set an example to other countries in strengthening the efficacy the UN in such situations.
Mr. Nixon also emphasize that in no case there should be a war between India and Pakistan. He is stated to have told Mrs. Gandhi that while his Administration would press Pakistan for a political solution India should agree for mutual withdrawal on forces from the borders to reduce tension.
Mrs. Gandhi explained the concern in India over American military supplies to Pakistan which was being used in unleashing a reign of terror and genocide against the Bengalis. She is believed to have said that the USA should exercise pressure on President Yahya Khan for the release of Sheikh Mujib and to open a dialogue with him.
The USA should recognize that what was happening in East Bengal was not an India- Pakistan problem but a dispute between East Bengalis and the military junta in Islamabad. Therefore, there had to be a settlement between them if the refugees were to return to their homes in safety and security.
Mrs. Gandhi made it clear to Mr. Nixon that India never wanted war with Pakistan. At the same time. India could not ignore the warlike postures in Pakistan and the provocative statements of Pakistani military rulers. She reminded Mr. Nixon that Pakistan had committed aggression on India three times so far in a treacherous manner. India could not afford to withdraw forces as long as the tension continued. Mrs. Gandhi is also understood to have asked Mr. Nixon about the objectives he proposed to achieve from his forthcoming China visit.