India keen on Asian security system : Dhar
By A Staff Reporter, India is eager to join an Asian security system but not on the basis on the “Breznev doctrine”, the Chairman of India’s Exernal Affairs Policy Planning Committee, Mr. D. P. Dhar, said in Calcutta on Monday.
Mr. Dhar said addressing a Press conference that the basis of becoming the member of such a security system should be collected security of all Asian countries maintaining there total political and economic independence. India believed that each Asian country had to develop its independent entity by cooperating with one another to build a strong, sound economy of its own. Strong economy could only be the best guarantee for their security.
Asked to comment on the reported statement of the Chinese Premier, Mr. Chou En-Lai, that China would direct its efforts to liberate the Indian sub-continent from the domination of the two Big Powers—the US and the Soviet Union-Mr. Dhar preferred not to say anything before he saw the full text of the statement. If, however, the statement was directed towards establishment of peace and stability in Asia and reiteration of faith in the principle of coexistence and a return to the Bandung spirit, it was most welcome, he added. So far as India was concerned there was no question of “domination” by any super power.
Mr. Dhar said in reply to a question on the improvement of India’s relations with China. “We have an open mind. India is ready to do everything that is necessary by maintaining its honour and dignity to settle issues which strain her relations with China.” Asked what concrete step India was taking to improve ties with China he said. “Writing a letter is a concrete step. I suppose.”
Asked whether China had appreciated India’s gesture, Mr. Dhar made a significant remark that he hoped the day was not far off “when you can ask such questions to Mr. Chou-En-Lai.” If India was humbling its position by approaching China for better ties. Mr. Dhar told newsmen. “Well, there are two views about it. One is that we have not done much to improve our relations with China.”
Mr. Dhar did not think that the Indo-Soviet Treaty should harden the attitude of China since the Treaty was not directed against China or, for that matter, any other country. The broad outlines of certain principles in the basis of which India coud establish peace and friendship were only embodied in the Treaty, he added. He did not think that India’s policy of non-alignment had been impaired by signing the Treaty, and we shall be glad to examine the proposal” of signing a treaty with China or any other country. “They talk of death of non-alignment. Their anguish is not very genuine.”
Asked whether India’s relations with the USA had been recently strained. Mr. Dhar said that some of the actions of the USA had caused “great disappointment to us.” He however, added that Mr. Kissinger’s visit to China had not upset India. “If the purpose of the visit was directed towards peace, it is a welcome sign,” he said.
Mr. Dhar, who flew down to Calcutta from Delhi on Saturday, told the Press conference of his impression of several meetings he had with Bangladesh leaders at Mujibnagar on Sunday and Monday. His impression was: “The goal of the people of Bangladesh and their elected representatives is clearly set. It is complete independence. I don’t think they re to a mood to compromise.”
Mr. Dhar said that he found the Bangladesh people “waging a very heroic and determined struggle for their independence and emancipation.”
Asked whether his visit was connected with the India’s early recognition of Bangladesh. Mr. Dhar said he did not come for any specific purpose but to acquaint himself with all the facets of the problem.” Since Bangladesh had become very important, it was decided that I should come.”
CHINESE PRESENCE
Mr. Dhar told a questioner that he was sure a time would come when the situation would be changed and the refugees from Bangladesh who had come here would be able to return to their homes.
In reply to a question Mr. Dhar said that there was “whether any evidence of increasing Chinese presence in Bangladesh nor was there any particular evidence of other Chinese move there.”
Reference: Hindustan Standard 24.8.1971