USA doubling food relief for E. Bengal
WASHINGTON, Sept. 4.—The USA is doubling its food relief programme for the strieftorn East Bengal, a senior Department Officials disclosed yesterday, reports Reuter.
The Deputy Administrator, Mr. Maurice J. Williams, of the Administration for International Development (AID) speaking to reporters after returning from the strief-torn region where the food problem is now compounded by major flooding of the river Ganges, said it appeared very large famine could occur.
The USA is negotiating a new Food for Peace agreement totalling $40 million (Rs. 30 crores) to supply wheat and edible oils to East Bengal.
This will be in addition to the $ 35 million (Rs. 24.50 crores) in food supplies already committed for East Bengal relief efforts by the USA, he said.
Total US humanitarian relief for East Bengal refugees in India, estimated by the Indian Government to exceed eight million since fighting began in East Bengal totals $ 120 million (Rs. 90 crores) to date.
Reference: Hindustan Standard 05.09.1971