‘Aid to Pindi means condoning oppression’
From Our Special Correspondent, NEW DELHI, June 1.–The External Affairs Minister, Mr. Swaran Singh, has emphasised that the problem of Bangladesh should be solved politically and not by the use of force.
He told the Rajya Sabha that military action and repression resorted to by the military rulers of Pakistan would not solve the problem.
Mr. Singh was replying to a call-attention motion by Mr. N. R. Muniswamy (Congress-O) and seven others drawing attention of the Government to the refusal by the U. K. Government to suspend aid to Pakistan on a suggestion reported to have been made by the Government of India in view of the present situation in Bangldesh.
The Minister said that the Government of India has been pointing out that economic help to the rulers of Pakistan to rehabilitate the shattered economy of that country as a result of their military action in East Bengal, would in the circumstances prevailing in Bangladesh, “amount to condoning their oppression and will make them more intransigent and enable them to divert economic help for military purposes, thus prolonging the conflict.”
He said that it had been stated in the British Parliament that it was the British Government’s objective to do everything possible to bring about a political solution and that it had been the British policy to deal with aid regardless of the political aspects of a country’s national life.
“It also believes that the reconstruction of the Pakistani economy cannot be undertaken till stability has been restored.” Minister added.
Several members demanded strong action against the British Government for its attitude on the Bangladesh issue. They criticised the Governments foreign policy and said that the Government had lost all friends in the world. One member demanded that India should leave the Commonwealth. Another member regretted that no country in the world had shown any active sympathy for the people of Bangladesh. No country had come to give aid for Bangladesh refugees.
The Minister told the House that the Government of India had been in constant touch with foreign Governments, including the British Government, on the events in East Bengal.
“One of the points which we have emphasised,” he said, “is that those countries which are in a position to do so should use their influence with the Government of Pakistan to persuade the rulers of Pakistan to stop military action against the unarmed people of East Bengal and to solve the problem politically and not by the use of force.”
He clarified that it was not for India to suggest any political solution. It was a matter between the people of Bangladesh and the military rulers of Pakistan.
In reply to a question. Mr. Singh said that according to the Government’s information Pakistan was getting arms aid now only from China. India was not aware of any other country since Pakistan’s milicountry giving arms to that tary action began in Bangladesh.
During his proposed visit to world capitals, the External Affairs Minister said, he would explain the happenings in Bangladesh and see how the international community could help in the return of normal conditions there.
P.T.I. adds: Mr. Singh declared that India’s policy both in relation to Bangladesh and Ceylon was “identical.”
India supported the Awami League because it represented the majority in East Bengal and she helped Mrs. Bandaranaike of Ceylon because she represented majority there.
Reference: Hindustan Standard 2.6.1971