USA will stay out in case of war : Rogers
WASHINGTON, Nov. 13.-The United States Secretary of State, Mr. Rogers, said yesterday that in the event of hostilities between India and Pakistan the USA “will do everything we can to stay out” report AP and Reuter.
He told an annual meeting of the Sigma Delta Chi National Journalism Society that the USA has “no intention to get into any other war?”
Mr. Rogers, expressed tears that hostilities might break out soon between India and Pakistan.
The USA has asked both sides to exercise maximum restraint, he said.
He said the USA was very much concerned about the buildup of military forces to the border areas between India and Pakistan.
The Nixon Administration has previously expressed concern over rising tensions between India and Pakistan but Mr. Rogers remarks yesterday appeared to view the situation in more urgent terms.
“We are apprehensive that these clashes (at the border) might lead to the outbreak of hostilities in the days ahead.” Mr. Rogers said.
He said the USA was doing everything it could to prevent a war.
“Obviously, if war beaks out we will do everything we can to stay out,” he added. “We have no intention of getting into any other war.”
Mr. Rogers said the USA was using quiet diplomacy in both India and Pakistan, seeking to defuse the border tensions.
He noted that the USA has provided India with more assistance than any other country in the world and has also helped Pakistan substantially.
Mr. Rogers said in 1965 the USA had not provided any to either side. The USA was not supplying arms to either side now he added.
Refering to the suspension of the sale of military parts to Pakistan. Mr. Rogers said the USA had explained previously to the Pakistan Government that such minor sales were causing serious problems here because of misunderstandings and problems as well in India. Light of a new Indo-Soviet friendship treaty Mr. Rogers said that Mrs. Gandhi had reassured the US Administration on this point during her visit to Washington last week.
Mrs. Gandhi said that the Russian treaty did not affect the policy of non-alignment, Mr. Rogers said.
“We have no reason to doubt that,” he added.
AFP adds: Commencing on the arrival of Peking’s first delegation to the UN Mr. Rogers said this would enable China to play a more active part in world affairs. “We hope it will help to reduce tensions in the world,” he added.
However, he said diplomatic ties between Washington and Peking would not be established in the near future and probably not even follow immediately after President Nixon’s trip to Peking early next year.
The most likely immediate result of Mr. Nixon’s talks with Chinese leaders could be increased exchanges of journalists, students and scientists be a later stage an increase in between the two countries, and at trade.
Reference: Hindustan Standard 14.11.1971