World Powers may stop aid to Pakistan : Singh
LONDON, June 22-Suspension of aid to Pakistan was under the contemplation of Governments of several countries he visited during the last fortnight, India’s External Affairs Minister, Mr. Swaran Singh, said here yesterday evening, says P.T.I.
When asked at a press conference at this conclusion of his tour of six world capitals whether any Government had agreed to stop aid to Pakistan in the present situation, he said he was reluctant to state what he was given to understand privately. He could say, however, that a stoppage of aid was under contemplation of several Governments for two reasons.
Firstly, in sheer economic terms, Pakistan created an economic crisis for itself through its own folly, wherein aid had become ineffective.
Secondly, they felt that giving aid at the present moment, meant a boost to a minority regime to supress the majority
Earlier, explaining the object of his tour, Mr. Swaran Singh said it was intended to inform the Governments concerned, United Nations agencies as well as non-official leaders and public opinion including the Press of the basic elements and issues involved in the present situation in Bangladesh.
The basic issue was that the result of a democratic election held on the basis of adult franchise there was sought to be negatived by military means and by repression by putting the sophisticated modern war machine into operation.
This resulted in killings on a large scale followed by the uprooting of people from homes-Muslims, Hindus, Christians, Buddhists—who crossed into Indian territory.
“We have authentic evidence to indicate that acts of violence were perpetrated in certain localities deliberately with a view to uprooting the residents of those areas,” he said.
The question then was what should be the attitude of the international community to this situation, Mr. Swaran Singh added. Six million was easy to write on paper but six million people on the ground was something different. In an area where there is already overpopulation and where there is political instability, the effect of induction of this mass of destitutes could not be calculated in mere terms of money.
The situation continued to be grave and there was no sign of improvement.
Britain and India yesterday urged a “political solution” to the East Bengal problem and a prompt return of evacuees to their former homes with a guarantee of a secure future, adds A.F.P.
The appeal was made in a joint statement following talks between the British foreign Secretary, Sir Alec Douglas Home and the Indian External affairs Minister, Mr. Swaran Singh, who has just completed similar talks in Moscow, Bonn, Paris, Ottawa and Washington.
A political solution to the problem had to be found “which was acceptable to the people of East Pakistan.”
Sir Alec stated that the British Government was prepared to add to the £2 million donated for refugee relief.
The British Foreign Secreatary paid tribute to India’s restraint and generosity in dealing with the problem of evacuees, the communique added.
Mr. Singh expressed appreciation of sympathy and support for the evacuees given by the British Government and people.
Reference: Hindustan Standard 23.6.1971