India and Pakistan
threaten break
as envoys quit
By David Loshak, in New Delhi
An exchange of increasingly acrimonious Notes between India and Pakistan yesterday brought nearer what Government circles in Delhi term “a diplomatic showdown” which might mean the severing of relations.
Tension increased as each country ordered restrictions on the movement of diplomatic officers and their families who were being withdrawn from Deputy High Commissions in Dacca, capital of East Pakistan, and Calcutta.
The withdraws follow Pakistan’s decision to close its Calcutta mission after medhi Masud, the new Deputy High Commissioner, found it impossible to take over from his predecessor, Mr Hossain All, who defected to the BanglaDesh resistances movement.
The mission has been occupied for over a week by about 50 East Pakistan members of the staff. Mr Masud has spent the last two nights in the VIP lounge at Calcutta airport because hotel staff refuse to serve him.
India retaliates India told Pakistan that any Pakistani nationals returning home would need special permission. This was said to be in retaliation for hindrances Imposed on India’s staff trying to leave Dacca.
Earlier, India demanded from Pakistan about the security of staff, premises and records of the Deputy High Commission in Dacca in accordance with international convention.
Pakistan’s assurances were given, according to a Note yesterday, “strictly on the principle of reciprocity.”
“Uncivilized behavior”
India also protested about “uncivilized behavior” by Pakistan authorities towards Mrs Sen Gupta, wife of the Indian Deputy High Commissioner in Dacca. She was said to have been subjected to a personal search at Karachi airport when returning home.
The dispute threatens to take a more serious turn because of irreconcilable viewpoints over the status of Mr Ali and members of his staff.
Pakistan has demanded that under reciprocal Repatriation agreements, the defectors should be returned to Pakistan and, clearly, to an unhappy fate.
The India view is that no one will be forced to leave against his will. India is thus giving haven to Pakistan Defectors.
This may invite retaliation by Pakistan against India staff. They might be held hostage, which would create an ugly agration.
Reference: Daily Telegraph : 27 April 1971