২৬ মার্চ – ১৬ ডিসেম্বর, ১৯৭১
বিবিসি, লন্ডন
স্বাধীনতা যুদ্ধকালে বাংলাদেশের ঘটনাবলীর ওপর বিবিসি প্রচারিত সংবাদ
1.
26.3.71.
A. 43
2200 PAKISTAN-ONE
Extensive lighting is reported from East Pakistan following moves by President Yahya Khan to restore his government’s authority and reports from India that Sheikh Mujibur Rahman has declared the province independent. The American ConsulGeneral in Dacca, the eastern capital, said that tanks were being used to put down disturbances there. Earlier reports from India-some quoting a clandestine radio in East Pakistan said fierce fighting had broken out in many places. East Bengali army units were said to have joined police and armed civilians in clashes with army units from West Pakistan. There have been no reports direct from East Pakistan
President Yahya Khan announced his moves in a strongly worded broadcast in which he accused Sheikh Mujib of treason, and banned his majority party in the Awami League which had virtually taken control of East Pakistan. He also announced a ban on all political activity in Pakistan and complete censorship of the press.
Para One: RW 2100 (when US new) fighting detail from 2030 Yahya snaps from 1520; Ind. from 1650
2.
27.3.71.
C.83
203 PAKISTAN-ONE
Latest reports from Pakistan indicate that the army is in control of key points in Dacca, after tanks had been used to put down disturbances. And the official Pakistan Radio said the curfew in the city, which had been lifted for nine hours during the day. would be lifted again today (Sunday). The radio went on to warn of severe measures against anybody putting up roadblocks or barricades, and said the army was in full control throughout the country. It also denied a statement put out by a clandestine radio station, broadcasting from East Pakistan and quoted by news agency correspondents in India, that supporters of Sheikh Mujibur- Rahman, the Awami League leader, were in control of the port of Chittagong and the town of Comilla and Jessore, and that the martial law administrator (General Tikka Khan) had been injured. Because of strict censorship in East Pakistan there is 110 independent picture what is going on.
RW. 1900 with Mon (Pakistan) on curfew, denials.
Bombing 1530: complete control 1300:
TRH(16) 2004/SK.
3.
273.71.
C.62
1900 PAKISTAN-TWO
In one of the first eye-witness accounts of the army moves three days ago, a BBC correspondent who was ordered to leave Dacca said the troops carried out a ruthless, preplanned operation to intimidate the people of Dacca. Our correspondent adds that tanks and truckloads of troops met little resistance although a few students had arms. There was the sound of heavy guns firing and buildings were engulfed in flames. Our correspondent and his film crew were rigorously searched three times and their film and papers confiscated before being flown out of the country. He says the military regime is desperately intent on preventing uncensored news leaving Pakistan. Our correspondent says he feels that the army’s statement that the leader of the outlawed Awami League, Sheikh Mujib-ur-Rahman, has been arrested, is probably true.
Correspondent, Clayton (London) ML (IMP 1852/SK
4.
28.3.71
C. 61
1900 PAKISTAN-ONE
The official Pakistan Radio says that the East Pakistan capital Dacca, is still calm with life returning to normal. The radio says people are going to work and that the martial law authorities have asked banks to re-open. The curfew on the city has been re-imposed after being relaxed for most of yesterday (Sunday). But the radio says it will be lifted again today (Monday). Apart from Pakistan Radio, the little news about the situation is coming out mainly through India and reports say there has been continuing trouble in Dacca yesterday (Sunday) with more shooting. A clandestine radio broadcast monitored in Calcutta said that provisional Bangladesh-Bengali Nation-government had been set up in East Pakistan. The Indian News Agency quotes reports that the East’s so-called Liberation Army captured the northern town of Rangpur after a battle with West Pakistan troops. India has rejected a Pakistani protest that she was interfering in its domestic affairs and has also denied that a clandestine radio, calling itself the voice of Bangladesh, is operating from India.
RW 1630 (when Dacca firing new),’ Provo govt.. Rangpur 1540 Restfrom 1000
JML/1MP 1844/JEF
5.
30.3.71
A. 31
22130 PAKISTAN
With strict censorship still in force in East Pakistan, few details are emerging about the situation there. The official Pakistan radio says the curfew in Dacca was lifted again for twelve hours, but all banks in East Pakistan are being closed again for three days. The radio says that an increasing number of shops are opening and that some newspapers are being published
But a traveler reaching New Delhi from Dacca said most shops in the city are closed and food is getting scarce. Another arrival on the same flight said the army is in full control of the city, which appears to have been heavily damaged.
Pakistan has made another protest to India alleging interference Pakistan’s internal affairs. The Indian High Commissioner in Islamabad was told that organized demonstrations against the Pakistan Mission in India could have serious repercussions. The High Commissioner was also told that false reports had been sent from a clandestine radio in the mouth of the River Hoogly. This has already been denied by India.
Banks:1330 Travelers: 2030 Protest: 1730 with denial
DUN
2110/CK
6.
1.4.71
C.90
2130 PAKISTAN-TWO
Reports from newspaper correspondents recently in East Pakistan say that the capital. Dacca, and other major cities were firmly under military control. They also report that when the army first went in, there was widespread killing of civilians in part of Dacca, especially among supporters of the East Pakistan leader, Sheikh Mujibur-Rahman. West Pakistan troops from the Punjab were blamed for a massacre of students and staff at Dacca University. Large areas of the city were said to be destroyed or still burning. Some reports say that, outside the main cities, the trouble was continuing. A correspondent of the American news agency, United Press International, says he managed to reach one town (Jessore) not far from the Indian border. He said he was shown the bodies of women and children who, he was told, had been bayoneted by Pakistan troops before they pulled out of the town.
An accusation by Pakistan that armed Indians had crossed the border into East Pakistan has been denied by an Indian Government spokesman.
Reports: D/PCORR (SMITH); UP! Indian denial 1443 Infiltration 1000
AMK
2/20/B
7.
2.4.71.
S. 4
SNAP ADO PAKISTAN
A BBC special correspondent who has just returned from Jessore says it is clear that the Pakistan Government is not telling the truth about the situation the fighting was still going on and a lot of innocent civilians were being killed, including women and children.
Our correspondent says that President Yahya Khan has clearly failed in a brutal attempt to destroy the will and morale of the East Pakistanis. WATO Interview DES
1541/SK.
8.
2.4.71 C.106
2230 PAKISTAN-TWO On the situation in East Pakistan, the radio continues to say that the major towns are quiet, -but admits there has been trouble in some areas, with what are described as miscreants trying to terrorise Peaceful citizens.
A BBC special correspondent who has just returned from Jessore more than twenty five miles (forty kilometers) inside East Pakistan –says fighting was still going on when he left. He says government troops killed women and children and burned a number of houses. But by the time he left Eastern forces were again in charge and government units were bombarding the area with artillery and mortars from positions a miles (kilometers) away.
RW 2000 Radio 1530 Hart snapped 1341
VBOIDB
221U/FD
9.
2.4.71.
C.97
2130 RED CROSS-PAKISTAN The International Committee of the Red Cross says the Pakistan Government has refused to allow its delegates and relief supplies to enter East Pakistan. A Red Cross statement in Geneva said it had withdrawn its delegates including two doctors-and a Red Cross plane was returning with almost its entire cargo of eight tons of medical and relief supplies. A correspondent in Geneva, in a dispatch to the BBC, says the delegates had apparently been told by Pakistani officials that no outside intervention could be tolerated–not even from an international humanitarian agency. McGregor 51 (snapped 1924 ) VBO/DB
2105/Park RTR: AFP.
10.
2.4.71 C35
1000 PAKISTAN-ONE Reporter continuing to come in of violence and killing in East Pakistan. In one of the first reports by a foreign correspondent direct from East Pakistan, the correspondent of the London Times gave an eyewitness account of the situation in Jessore. He said Pakistan government troops had withdrawn to their military camp area, leaving the town in the control of East Pakistan troops and sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s sympathizers. He describes seeing irregular militiamen of East Pakistan marching people of West Pakistan lanes, tanks and roron by the United Natowns in the Eastern
origin to a market place, accusing them of spying for the Pakistan army. The prisoners (he said) were hacked to death as reprisal for equally brutal shootings by the Pakistan army.
The West Pakistan radio continues to say that all major towns in the Eastern province are quiet. But India-calling for action by the United Nations-has accused the Pakistan Army of using planes, tanks and rockets in a massive reprisal operation. MON (KA RA CHI RA DIO)
SPS/BJP
0936/MH (U.N. call and reprisals from 2 y’day) ১১।
11.
3.4.71.
A.12
1500 PAKISTAN-ONE The latest official Pakistan Radio broadcasts about the situation in East Pakistan have said that calm is continuing in Dacca and al so in the countryside. The radio says there were no reports of any incidents, and that large crowds attended regular Friday prayers at the Dacca mosques yesterday. Reports carried by All India Radio and the Press Trust of India, however, quote what they describe as reliable sources from within East Pakistan as saying that Pakistan air force planes yesterday carried out raids against a number of towns where supporters of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman have been offering resistance to the martial law authorities. All India Radio said that in the port of Chittagong, West Pakistan troops were under pressure and that air force planes were unable to land at Comilla because of trouble there.
RW 1300 (MON: Pakistan on calm from 1000) INDIA REPORTS (RTR).
JU 1440/mw
12.
4.4.71
C.30
1230 PAKISTAN OPS There are no recent independent reports from East Pakistan about the situation there. An announcement by the martial law authorities in Dacca says that all measures have been taken to restore normal life and order in the country. The announcement advises the public not to pay attention to rumor-mongers. It says the curfew in Dacca are being reduced from Monday.
Meanwhile, All India Radio says it has received reports from East Pakistan that the martial law authorities there yesterday carried out big air raids and dropped napalm bombs on Chittagong and five other civilian areas. The radio says that according to one report, troops used long range cannon against the border town’ of Jessore, said to be controlled by supporters of the East Pakistan leader, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. These reports by All India Radio are unconfirmed.
Rejig 1030 Dacca 1030 All India Radio 1000
JKJ/
1225/FD
13.
6.4.71
C29
1130 PAKISTAN-BRITAIN
In London, more than one-hundred-and-eighty Members of Parliament from all parties have signed a motion urging the British Government to use its influence to secure a cease-fire in East Pakistan. The BBC Parliamentary correspondent says that MP’s accept the statement by the Foreign Secretary, Sir Alec Douglas-Home, that the British Government cannot interfere in Pakistan’s internal affairs. But they are clearly anxious that every effort should be made to influence the Pakistani Government to seek a peaceful settlement without delay.
Herdiman Scott via GNS
RO Y/KWC
1110/BH
14.
7.4.71.
C.31
1130 PAKISTAN REFUGEES
A group of people of various nationalities, who have arrived in Calcutta, in India, from the East Pakistan port of Chittagong, have spoken of mass killings and piles of bodies in the streets there. Some of the told of heavy damage during two weeks of fighting, and an American told correspondents that Chittagong was like a ghost city, empty except for the army, corpses and dogs. Correspondents quote the American as saying that the army generally ran amok in Chittagong, killing on a considerable scale. He said he was taken around the city by soldiers who wanted him to help get power supplies going again, and he witnessed a number of executions in the streets. Everywhere in Chittagong there was a stench of dead bodies. Other refugees spoke of East Pakistanis being gunned down on sight by the army and of equally brutal killings by the local inhabitants of West Pakistanis living in the port.
RW JO00 when American new, deleting reference to SELIS Killings from 0200
ROY/MH
11/21rh
15.
7.4.71.
C.77
2130 PAKISTAN
Radio Pakistan has for the first time said that the air force has been in action in East Pakistan. It says planes attacked what it calls armed infiltrators to support the army in and around three towns. And that the army is now in full control of the entire northern region. The BBC’ Commonwealth correspondent-just back in London after a month in Pakistan says the announcement is one of the first official indications given to West Pakistan of the extent of the disturbances, but people have heard a fair amount through foreign broadcasts. He said it was apparent during his stay in West Pakistan that the people were determined that the East should not be allowed to go its own way. Our correspondent says that prospects of a long drawn out and bitter struggle seem very real.
Boil 2100! New 1900.
HMK/
2110/Park
16.
9.4.71.
C. 58
1900 PAKISTAN
Radio Pakistan says the port of Chittagong in East Pakistan has been cleared of what it describes as anti-state and anti-social elements. The radio says most of them have surrendered to the army. It adds that a number of shops and markets in the city are open and that people are returning to their homes. Another statement broadcast by Radio Pakistan announced a new martial law regulation restricting the movement of people regarded by the authorities as acting suspiciously or against public security.
Reports broadcast by All India Radio say the Pakistani Air Force has made several bombing raids in the past two days in an unsuccessful attempt to gain control of the northern town of Rajshahi. Pakistan Radio has again described Indian reports as blatant lies and mischievous propaganda bearing no relation to the real situation.
Para It: MON Para 2: MON: UP1. JOR/ A WB
1845/Park
17.
10.4.71
C. 73
2230 INDIA-PAKISTAN
Reports from India say hundreds of refugees from East Pakistan have been crossing the border. A Reuter correspondent says many are Hindus. Other unconfirmed reports from India continue to speak of clashes in at least seven towns between Pakistani troops and supporters of the political leader in the East-Sheikh Mujibur Rahman-who is under arrest. But the official Pakistan Radio says life in East Pakistan is continuing to return to normal. And in the capital of Dacca, (it says) a citizens’ peace committee has been formed. Earlier, the radio said two armed members of the Indian border force had been captured inside East Pakistan in the Jessore district). Pakistan has also told India to remove radio transmitter which, it says, is being operated at the offices of the Indian Deputy High Commission in Dacca. The Indian Foreign Ministry in Delhi denies that any unauthorized transmitter is being used.
Refugees:RTR Clashes,normal Committee: 2030 Rest: 1700
GIL/MIW
22201BH
18.
581 13.4.71.
A.19
1230 PAKISTAN FOLLOW (HUBS)
An American correspondent who was recently able to get into the East Pakistan capital. Dacca, said he found the once heavily populated districts a black wilderness of ashes and bamboo stumps-all that remained of the homes of thousands. The correspondent-from the news agency. Associated Press-said that the city, under strict curfew, during darkness, was patrolled by West Pakistan troops and that he had heard rifle fire at night. While he was in Dacca, the correspondent said West Pakistan troops continued to pour in by air. But there were signs that life was returning to normalessential services were functioning and shops had re-opened.
KWI (XX) (from 0200 ):
JU
1225:sat
19.
16.4.71
A.49
2300 INDIA-PAKISTAN (mainly HUBS)
Radio Pakistan says that saboteurs tried to blow up the. Kaptai hydroelectric power station near the East Pakistan port of Chittagong on Thursday, but were wiped out by Pakistani troops before they could cause any damage. The radio said the army had also foiled an attempt to dynamite a power plant on the River Meghna. It quoted an official spokesman in Dacca as saying that an Indian report that Pakistani troops had fired across the Indian border was totally baseless.
Correspondents say that Pakistan army forces are advancing on the town of Chuadanga-one of the main strongholds of the supporters of Sheikh Mujib-urRahman.
Saboteurs from 2000 Denial MON (PAK) Chuadanga (A P-Neeld) (Times-Hornsby)
2235/sjc
20.
17.4.71
C. 42
1500 PAKISTAN
A group of East Pakistanis have proclaimed what they call the Government of independent Bangladesh under the acting presidency of Mr.Syed Nazrul Islam. At a village (Baidyanathala) just inside East Pakistan, Mr. Syed Nazrul Islam read a proclamation to about five thousand people gathered in a mango grove, saying his government appealed to all countries of the world to come to the aid of his people. He named a cabinet with Mr. Tajuddin Ahmed as his Prime Minister and Mr. K. M. Ahmed as his Foreign Minister. A group of foreign correspondents came from the Indian side of the border to attend the ceremony.
SNAP 1354.-RTR Last para fighting new 1300 Pakistan Dacca 0930 “A ” storx
NK/H
1440/BH
21.
21.4.71
C. 37
1130 PAKISTAN
The martial law authorities in Hast Pakistan have summoned five local leaders to appear at the martial law headquarters in Dacca next Monday to answer various charges. An announcement said that if they failed to turn up, they would be tried in their absence. The five include senior officials of the banned Awami League. One of them is the league’s general secretary. Mr. Tajuddin Ahmed, who was named at the weekend as Prime Minister of the breakaway state of Bangladesh.
RW 0600: new 0500
HH
1120/jo
22.
28.4.714
C.84
1930PAKISTAN The martial law authorities in East Pakistan say there has been trouble in the Eastern capital, Dacca. Troops opened fire and seven people were killed. The authorities said anti-social elements had been stabbing, looting and trying to create panic, and that forty-five people were arrested. The authorities said they would be tried by a military tribunal and would be sternly punished.
Dacca troubles: RW 1730 (snapped) 1640): Protest: RTR, MON (All India Radio).
GIL/MIW
1926/Park
23.
28.4.71
A.49
1930 PAKISTAN (MAINLY HUBS)
A British Labor Party Member of Parliament, Mr. Bruce Douglas Mann-who has just returned from a week’s visit to East Pakistan-said in London that there was clear evidence of widespread atrocities having taken place in East Pakistan. He estimated that from reports he received during his visit at least a quarter of a million people had been killed. Mr. Douglas-Mann said he was hoping to persuade the British Government to withhold financial and other help for Pakistan until peace was restored. He also said Britain should recognize Bangladesh.
PA
ROY/EGE
1910/KL
24.
3.5.71
A.19 1300 PAKISTAN RELIEF (HUBs)
The three largest British relief organizations-Oxfam. War on Want and Christian Aid- have launched a joint appeal in Britain for what they describe as the homeless families who have fled from the tragedy of East Bengal into India. They estimate the number of those in need at about a million, requiring tents, milk powder, baby foods and other necessities. The first load of supplies is expected to leave for Calcutta later this week. The whole operation will be coordinated with the work already being carried out by the Indian authorities in West Bengal.
The BBC Commonwealth correspondent recalls that last year the British public contributed one and a half million pounds for cyclone relief work in East Pakistan. He says that because the Pakistani authorities will not allow the relief agencies to operate in East Pakistan, some long term projects have not been put into effect. For example, forty tractors were being sent from Britain to set up a tractor training school but our correspondent adds, they will probably have to come back to Britain.
Dipcorr (WALKER)
DUN
1230/fes
25.
5.6.71
C.56
1430
CHOLERA
As the international relief operation gets under way to help fight the outbreak of cholera among East Pakistani refugees in India, there are reports that more refugees are still crossing the border to add to the estimated four and a half million already in west Bengal. Forty thousand refugees were being cared for in one camps alone only a few miles from Dum Dum airport near Calcutta, where the Indian Prime Minister Mrs. Indira Gandhi, arrived for talks on the situation with the Chief Minister of West Bengal. A BBC correspondent in Calcutta says deaths from cholera mong the refugees may already total between three and four thousand, and the approaching monsoon rains will make conditions worse. In Geneva, the World Health Organisation has seventeen tons of medical supplies ready for dispatch but is being held up by lack of transport. In Britain, a plane is leaving London during the day carrying a million doses of anti-cholera vaccine, and Royal Air Force transport plane is preparing to fly to India on Monday carrying further supplies of vaccine and a mobile hospital. The RAF are also flying tents from Singapore. Medical supplies are being sent by other countries and a number of governments have now donated several million pounds to a United
Nations Appeal for funds to Finance relief.
RW 1030 Cholera (when-Gandhi arrival new) LVW/DMW1440 ; je
with UPI:
201; Dipcorr (Brierly); RTR
26.
10.6.71
C.42
1330 PAKISTAN
East Pakistan’s governor and martial law administrator. Lieutenant General Tikka Khan, has appealed to all refugees who fled to India to return home. He said they could do so as equal partners with the rest of their countrymen. Radio Pakistan quotes the Governor as saying that political leaders would be welcomed back, as well as students, businessmen, civil servants, and members of the armed forces and law enforcement agencies. General Tikka Khan said reception centres had been set up along the border, equipped to offer food, shelter, medical aid and transport. He added that life had returned to normal in East Pakistan. General Tikka Khan said the refugees had left under the influence of false and malicious propaganda, and were risking malnutrition and disease unnecessarily.
The BBC Commonwealth Correspondent says outside observers are inclined to be skeptical at the tone of General Tikka Khan’s statement. Our correspondent says observers regard it as a reaction to the image Pakistan has acquired because of the mass flight of its people.
Tikka Khan from 1000 with
JTFJRMH 1330/BU Walker D.282.
27.
20.6.71.
C. 21
1000 PAKISTAN
Pakistan has lifted the ban on foreign correspondents visiting East Pakistan on their own. A Government announcement says that because the law and order situation is completely under control, foreign newsmen can now visit the province without previous permission or official escorts. The restrictions have been in force since fighting broke out last March. Censorship on reports from East Pakistan was lifted earlier this month. It is not clear whether the lifting of restrictions also applies to film crews. A four-man delegation from East Pakistan is going abroad to explain the Pakistan position to foreign governments and (it says) to dispel hostile propaganda.
In India, the authorities are making urgent efforts to move about forty thousand refugees camping near Calcutta airport runway. Airline operators have said that unless the refugees are moved, services might have to be cut on safety grounds.
BAN AFP, AP, UP I, HN (from 0800) ‘A ‘story 2030 Runway: Clayton N.S (from 0800) E. Pak. Deleg, (from 2030 ‘A’) NK/BJP
0949/MH
28.
3.7.71 C.41
1330 PAKISTAN MPs
Members of the official British Parliamentary delegation which visited Pakistan have
476
returned to London after talks in Delhi with Indian Government leaders. The former Commonwealth Secretary. Mr. Bottomley, said he and all the other members of the delegation were convinced that there could be no return to normality in Pakistan until there was a political settlement. Referring to a meeting he had with the military governor of East Pakistan, General Tikka Khan, Mr. Bottomley said he formed the view that the governor understood nothing about economic and social problems and must carry a heavy responsibility for what was happening in East Pakistan.
Mr. Bottomley again praised Indian efforts to help the refugees and paid tribute to the attitude of the Indian Prime Minister, Mrs. Ghandhi. Another delegation member, Mr. Prentice-a former Minister, of Overseas Development-described the suffering in East Pakistan as appalling and said it had been a tragic mistake to try to apply a military solution.
RW J 300 (WHEN NEW) adding Prentice Carmen!: PA.
TLL
1330/mw
29.
12.8.71
A 39
2200 MUJIB
A spokesman at the United Nations has said that the Secretary General, U Thant, is engaged in private diplomatic negotiations over the case of the East Pakistan leader. Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. The spokesman added that U Thant was not prepared to say anything about the matter publicly. He confirmed that the Indian Ambassador to the United Nation had handed to U Thant a communication from Mrs. Ghandhi about Sheikh Mujib’s trial.
The Sheikh’s trial was due to open somewhere in West Pakistan last Wednesday, but no news of it has been released and it is not known if it has actually begun.
APRTR
EVS/CEG
2135/AN
30.
199.71
A 32
2100 THANT-PAKISTAN (Embargoed till then follows central story)
U Thant gives another warning in his report about the situation in the India subcontinent where, he says, any major conflict could all too easily expand. He says the fundamental problem in East Pakistan cannot be solved except through a political settlement. He also says international response to his appeal for relief supplies had been far from adequate. Relation between India and Pakistan were also a major component of the East Pakistan problem, he said. Though there could be no doubt of both government’s desire for peace, tension between them showed no sign of subsiding and the situation on the borders of East Pakistan was particularly disturbing, with border lashes, raids and sabotage apparently becoming more frequent.
RTR/AFP
LVT/HYD
1835/JL
31.
24.9.71.
A.34
1830 SHIP
In East Pakistan, an official spokesman has said that another ship- this time an American one-has been damaged by a mine. He blamed infiltrators from India for the explosion, which took place at Chalna in the Ganges delta. The ship was carrying food to East Pakistan. A British ship was also recently damaged by an explosion at Chalna-in this case the Bangladesh movement claimed responsibility.
MON (RADIO PAX) NEWS INF on British ship.
EVS/DMW
1809/MH
The British Government has confirmed that frogmen severely damaged a twelve thousand ton British cargo ship, the Teviotbank, in the East Pakistan port of Chalna. The Bangladesh resistance movement has claimed responsibility. One report from Calcutta says the frogmen attacked the ship with limpet mines, and efforts are being made to keep her afloat. Soon after the attack-last Sunday-another British ship sailed from Chalna. It was attacked by gunfire, but there are no reports of injuries or damage.
32.
23.9.71.
C.45
1330 SHIP
Times: Confirmed Dipcorr (Briky): VBO. DGE
325: sat
33.
4.10.71
C.J
0100 POPE
Pope Paul has issued a new and urgent appeal for more aid to help deal with the situation caused by the fighting in East Pakistan earlier this year. And he has called for a day of prayer and fasting next Sunday for both the refugees and the inhabitants of East Pakistan itself. Speaking to crowds at the Vatican, he said: “It does not seem exaggerated to hope that the world will be moved to pity, and will send indispensable assistance; food, clothing and medicines. Pope Paul said he was launching his appeal above all for the eight hundred thousand children reported to be exhausted, sick and starving in the refugee’s camps in India. News reports, he said, speak of the disproportion between the enormity of the calamity and the present relief measures.
HW1600 (A and C) with more another look at RTR: IJ PI
0035/UWSPS
34.
18.10.71.
A.55
2200 PAKISTAN
Britain is to make a further seven and a half million pounds available for relief work among Pakistani refugees in India. Another million pounds will be provided for relief work in East Pakistan. This further assistance is being given in response to appeals by the United Nations Secretary General U. Thant. and the High Commissioner for Refugees, Prince Sadruddin Agha Khan. It more than doubles Britain’s previous contributions. The aid was announced in Parliament in London by the British Foreign Secretary, Sir Alec Douglas Home. Sir Alec said later that Britain would do everything conceivable to help towards a settlement between the two countries.
In Strasbourg, the Ministerial Committee of the Council of Europe has called on the seventeen member governments to increase their assistance to refugees from East Pakistan.
RW 2100 with RTR on Council British aid snapped 1553
MJH
2158/jo
35.
9.11.71.
A.35
1900 EAST PAKISTAN
(HUBS)
It is reported in East Pakistan that the Pakistan government has decided to impose collective Fines in areas where subversive or anti-state activities have been going on. A BBC correspondent in Dacca says the decision would appear to have been taken in view of the rising incidence of rebel attacks, both in the East Pakistan interior and in the capital, Dacca, in which the rebels have been showing increasing boldness. In one recent incident, a group armed with automatic weapons, kidnapped a stationmaster and three railway policemen in Dacca. Our correspondent says there have also been a number of bombing incidents at schools and at Dacca University.
ROBSON N65. N66.
LVT/CEG
1845/AN
36.
17.11.71
C.39
1200 DACCA
The capital of East Pakistan, Dacca, has been placed under indefinite curfew. Early morning broadcasts told people to stay at home until further notice. There has been a house to house search, and it was stated that all unlicensed arms and ammunition should be placed outside. If this was done, the announcement said, the military search parties would simply pick up the arms and no questions would be asked. All traffic has been halted, except for ambulances and vehicles belonging to the electricity board and Pakistan’s international airline. The city’s six police districts have been placed under the control of brigadiers.
During the, past month there have been reports of guerrilla activity in and around Dacca, and several people have been killed and wounded as the result of bomb explosions and shooting incidents. Electricity supplies have been interrupted, and schools attacked and damaged.
RW 1100 (when new)
with Background News Info:
RWS/FIG
1135/PS
37.
23.11.71
C.53
1400 PAKISTAN-INDIA
A state of emergency has been declared in both East and West Pakistan. Radio Pakistan says the emergency has been declared by President Yahya Khan because of the grave situations following a threat of external aggression. At the same lime, all domestic air flights in East Pakistan have been grounded and the Pakistanis say that the Jessore airfield has come under Indian artillery fire. Jessore is one of the areas that Pakistan says has been the target of attacks launched across the border by one hundred thousand Indian troops backed by armored units. India has denied charges of military offensive saying that Bengali guerrillas are being described as Indian troops. All India Radio said the guerrillas are advancing deep into the Sylhet district of East Pakistan and that fierce fighting is going on in the Jessore and Rangpur areas. Radio Pakistan says fighting is continuing in the Jessor, Sylhet and Chittagong areas. But enemy advances are being checked and heavy casualties inflicted.
RW 1130 Grounded: Snap 1375,. Robson IC3,’ Emergency.. 0858, Pak. charge.. 2300; India react.. 0100:’India guerrs. & AIR: 1130 Pak.fghtg .. MON. AP, RTR
J MLS
13481J EE
38.
25.11.71
A.21
HUBS PAKISTAN REWARD
The East Pakistani Government is offering rewards of up to ten thousand rupees for information leading to the arrest of what are called miscreants. The Government announcement defines miscreants as Mukti Bahini fighters, and those helping them with food, shelter, transport and the publication of subversive leaflets.
Reports from Dacca say that two explosions have damaged a factory at kajla, about ten miles from the city.
AP.Ahmad N13 ;
DUN
1200/PS
39.
2711.71.
C.2.
0030 PAKISTAN-TWO
All India Radio says Bangladesh forces have consolidated their forward positions around Jessore and Sylhet and have liberated fresh areas in four regions. The radio sail the guerrillas had also captured the town of Panchagarh in the Dinajpur district, and reported a fierce battle on the outskirts of Jessore. Heavy fighting was al-;0 said to be in progress in other areas. The Radio said about eighty Pakistani troops were killed by Indian forces repulsing in attack on a border area (in Dinajpur.)
MON (AIR): RTR 80 dead 1800
PW
0025/NEW
40.
30.11.71
A.34
1330INDO-PAK-ONE
In the fighting in East Pakistan, the Pakistanis say they have repulsed fresh attacks by Indian forces in the Jessore and Sylhet regions, while the Indians have reported successes by the East Pakistani guerrillas. The Indians say the guerrillas have gained control of Radhanagar in the Sylhet district, and have launched an offensive against the strategically important town of Navarong near Jessore. A correspondent in Dacca, in a dispatch to the BBC, says the Pakistan Army has reported that Indian forces have fired shells into Jessore with Russian-made guns The correspondent also reports that there have been two more fires in Government” jute warehouses in East Pakistan, making a total of six similar fires in the past week. Guerrillas are also reported to have intensified their activities ill Chittagong. Where newly elected members of the national and provincial assemblies have formed a committee to try to improve security in the port.
RW 1230 (deleting reference to “claims” and “rebels”) Nizamuddin Ahmed on Jessore, shelled, jute (also APP) and Chittagong. Indian reports new 0930.
NH
1325/NH
41.
2.12.71
C. 50
1330 INDIA-PAKISTAN
The Indian Defense Ministry says Pakistani Sabre jets have bombed areas around the airfield at Agartala in the north eastern Tripura state. The planes were driven off by anti- aircraft fire and the Indian army was ordered to take immediate defensive action. Correspondents say this is the phrase used by the Indian government in the past to describe Indian army crossings into East Pakistan. The Indians earlier reported an exchange of artillery and mortar fire around Agartala town and fierce fighting in part of the Rangpur district of East Pakistan. There are reports from both sides of heavy engagement in the Sylhet area, northeast of Dacca, and fighting in the Jessore district of East Pakistan. In Dacca, a Pakistani spokesman said Indian artillery continued shelling Darsana, an important border railway town. Earlier, a correspondent in Dacca, in a despatch to the BBC, quoted East Pakistani reports of an Indian attempt to cut the main link between the towns of Comilla and Chittagong by artillery fire. The reports said the attempt failed.
RW 1130 (when new) with snap lead rimed 1235 (RTR: AP): & Nizamuddin (timed 0950) on Darsana; RPH: JG 1325.dat
42.
2.12.71.
A.52
2230 ADD INDIA-PAKISTAN
A BBC special correspondent in Dacca says the guerrillas have been steadily stepping up their activities and the army believes that there’ are at least two thousand of them in Dacca alone. He says that in the latest incident, small arms fire was heard in one area of the capital, and parts of two villages on the outskirts seen in flames. A number of people have been admitted to hospital with bullet wounds, three of them soldiers.’ According to police reports, a’ petrol pump was blown up in the middle of the city, and our correspondent says military search operations are expected in a number of areas.
Robson 112.
SPS
2205/CA
43.
3.12.71
A. 47
22(H) HUBS EAST PAKISTAN
Both India and Pakistan report continued fighting along the East Pakistan border. East Pakistan’s civilian governor, Dr. Abdul Malik, has broadcast a warning that Pakistan is on the threshold of a devastating war. A correspondent in Dacca, in a dispatch to the BBC, says fierce fighting is reported on all the eastern fronts, including Shamshernagar, Dinajpur, Jessore, Rangpur, Khulna and Mymensingh. Our correspondent says the Pakistan army claims that Indian attacks are being repulsed and that the Indians have suffered heavy casualties. All India radio said Indian forces had taken what it called defensive action to silence Pakistani artillery which had been shelling Agartala, the capital of Tripura state, since Wednesday. The radio says East Pakistan guerrillas have captured towns and airfields at Thakurgaon and Shamshernagar, south-east of Sylhet. But a military spokesman in Rawalpindi said despite what he called minor tactical gains by the Indians; the airstrip at Thakurgaon was still held by Pakistani forces.
RW 2000 (Shamsher ami Pak denials on Thakur new 1900) Malik 1200; place names more Nizamuddin 33
SPS 2145/off
43.
4.12.71
A.47
2300INDO- PAK AIR
(Follows West)
Pakistan claims to have destroyed or damaged forty-six Indian aircraft, both fighters and bombers. Radio Pakistan said that five Indian pilots had been captured. The Indians say they have lost eleven planes and have destroyed thirty-three Pakistani ones. They say these include nine Pakistani aircraft destroyed on the ground at an airfield near Karachi; and nearly all Pakistani planes based in East Pakistan.
A BBC special correspondent in Dacca says that airfields around the city have been under fairly constant attack with the Indian aircraft flying in low to fire rockets and cannon shells. He tells of seeing two of the planes crashing in flames after being hit by ground tire.
RW 2 130 & 2030 C. (when 46 new) with MON, RTR: AP : UPI on details Robson N126
SPS
2240/BJF
44.
6.12.31.
A.58
2230 INDIA/PAK ONE
India claims sweeping gains in its drive deep into East Pakistan which it has officially recognized as the independent state of Bangladesh. Indian military spokesmen said their forces are continuing rapid thrusts from fifteen points. They also claim victories on the Western Front. Pakistan also reports successes on both fronts, particularly in the air, and says its troops are in full control of the situation in the East. India says fierce fighting is going on in a number of sectors, including Jessore, but some units have by-passed the city and arc striking for the capital, Dacca. A military spokesman said road links between Dacca and Jessore are being cut and carrierborne planes have hit troop concentrations, in Dacca. He also clamed that both Dacca’s airfields have been immobilized and that harbor installations in the capital and at Chittagong, Cox’s bazaar, Mongla and Chalna have been attacked.
“C” story with RTR: AFP: AP: UPI: & MON (AIR: RP) (14) RLB
AGB VOC
45.
8.12.71
A.11
1300INDO PAK-TWO (Mainly HUBS)
An Indian military spokesman has said the Indians have captured the airport at the town of Comilla, about 30 miles (48 kms) from Dacca, and are approaching Comilla itself from several directions.
Dacca Radio reports fierce fighting from other parts of East Pakistan. It says the Pakistanis are holding Laksham despite heavy Indian pressure, and that they are constantly defying Indian attempts at a breakthrough in the area of Rangpur and Dinajpur. Dacca Radio says Indian helicopter-borne paratroops were wiped out in the Sylhet area.
All India Radio says that since fighting began in East Pakistan, the Indians have taken eighteen hundred prisoners and killed about four hundred Pakistani troops MON (DACCA): JMS/RMH
J307/JH
(II)
46.
10 12.71
A. 44
1930-1NDO-PAK-TWO
Our correspondent says the loss of about fifty square miles of Indian territory in the Chamb sector is regarded as only a temporary reverse by the Indians. North of the Chamb sector the Indians say they have pushed back the Pakistanis in several Places along the old cease-fire line.
In East Pakistan, the Indians have reported mostly stiff resistance in some areas. But they say they have used helicopters and river steamers to ferry troops across the Meghna River and establish a sizeable bridgehead about forty-five miles (about 70 Kms) north-east of Dacca, for the assault on the capital From this point they say Dacca is directly threatened, as there are no major natural obstructions to their forces. Indian troops converging on the capital from the south-east and west have to cope with a number of rivers which from Dacca’s main natural defenses. In the capital, the Dacca station of Radio Pakistan has been off the air for hours, and the Indians say this is the result of a rocket attack on the transmitters by Indian aircraft.
RW 1700 run nig story. Barron reed 1545. resistant 1430. RWSIEGE. copters 113V. D. Radio snapped 1522 (affair 01)00)
1910/pms
47.
12.12.71
A. 21
1230INDO-PAK-ONE
In East Pakistan, the Indians say they have landed paratroopers in a number of areas around the capital, Dacca, as ground forces continue their advance on the city. India’s Eastern Commander, Major General Jacob, said the airborne operation-carried out yesterday-had been successful, but he would not give any further details. The Indian Commander added that ground troops-who earlier crossed the Meghna river were now within about twenty miles (32 kms) of the city, and had met some resistance. The Indians say their troops are now in full control of the river and are dominating all its tributaries in the Comilla area. Major Jacob also said Mukti Bahini guerrilla units were very active in the Dacca area and that lighting had been going on within the city,
484
MON ( AIR) 0;1 Jacob (first at 0900) Chittagong , domination Meghna ( now) PAK 110 surrender 0900
MISIJCA
1220/kt
48.
13.12.71.
A. 16
1300INDO-PAK-ONE
As their forces continue to converge on the East Pakistan capital. Dacca, the Indians say they have dropped more paratroops into the area. Latest reports put the Indians less than twenty miles away from Dacca, and All-India radio says they are closing in rapidly. But the Indians say paratroopers who were dropped in the area around Dacca on Saturday have been meeting resistance. The Pakistanis say their troops are battling Indian paratroopers in the Tangail district, to the northwest of the city.
In Dacca itself, one news agency correspondent says that things have been quite today and he had heard no sounds of artillery or battle. He said the twenty-four hour curfew had been lifted for some hours during the morning to allow last-minute shopping before the expected Indian assault.
Paratroopers, Ind resistance. AIR 1030 UPI on correspondent, & Tangail fighting
GAP/JCA
1245/kt
49.
13.12.71
A.57
2230 INDO PAK-ONE (MAINLY FOR HUBS )
With Indian troop reported to be closing in fast on the beleaguered East Pakistan capital of Dacca, the chief of the Pakistan forces in the East (General Niazi) has said his troops will fight to the last man. And he has rejected another appeal from the Indian Chief of Staff (General Sam Manekshaw) to surrender. The Indians say that two armoured columns-spearheaded by paratroopers-are now driving in on Dacca from Tangail in the northwest and from Narsingdhi in the northeast. Some advance units are reported to be at Jaydevpur, less than ten miles ( 16 kms) north of the Dacca Army base. And correspondents in the capital say they found Indian troops on the far side of a river at Demraghat, nine miles south of the city. India says fierce fighting is still continuing at the Daulatpur army base near Khulna, and her troops are also meeting stiff resistance at Chalna, a southern port. But she claims to have blocked the escape routes to this and other ports. A spokesman in New Delhi says Indian forces are having tremendous communications difficulties because of the river network.
“C” story with RTR : MON ( AIR, RP)AP: AFP on locations and details
GJIAG B
2200/eg
50.
15.12.71
A 24
ADD SNAP LEAD INDO- PAKISTAN-ONE
The correspondents say the sound of artillery fire on the outskirts of Dacca, particularly to the north-east, seemed louder after dawn this morning. Indian aircraft have been dropping leaflets over Dacca, saying the Chief of Staff of the Indian army. General Manekshaw has instructed troops to give complete protection to foreign nationals and ethnic minorities. The leaflets reaffirmed a guarantee of fair treatment for all soldiers and semi military personnel who surrender.
ROBSON/BRILEY
N.21:
1330/JII
51.
15.12.71
S.4
SNAP LEAD INDIA-PAKISTAN-ONE
The Indians say they are bombarding the East Pakistan capital of Dacca with heavy artillery and that Indian troops and Bangladesh guerrillas are attacking the outer defenses. A pooled dispatch from correspondents in Dacca says that cease fire negotiations are going on involving contacts between the Red Cross and the Pakistani Commander in Chief, General Niazi, but as yet nothing concrete has emerged. The dispatch says that there are intensified air attacks in and around Dacca, apparently directed at General Niazi’s Headquarters and other military objectives.
BRILE Y H 21
LVT.
1310/LS
52.
15.12.71
A.17
1230INDO-PAK-ONE
One report quotes an Indian spokesman saying that Indian- forces control the industrial suburb of Tongi. The latest report from Radio Pakistan speaks only of mounting pressure by the Indians in the Dacca area. Earlier the Pakistanis said Indian paratroops had been severely ‘mauled’ and had made no headway. After the resignation of the civilian government of East Pakistan, correspondents say the responsibility for Pakistan’s last-ditch stand in Dacca now rests with the Army Commander, General Niazi. A number of senior Pakistani civil servants yesterday sought refuge in the Intercontinental Hotel, which has been declared a neutral zone.
In other action in East Pakistan, the Indians say they are now within four miles (6 kms) of the largest port, Chittagong. The Indians reported earlier that the port was ablaze and unusable after bombardments by their warships and rocket attacks by their aircraft.
TONG!: UPI Indians on Dacca 0250; Pak Rad. Mon,. AP Resignation 1600 Chiltagong 500
1220/KL
53.
16.12.17.
C. 74
1330 LEAD INDO-PAKISTAN
Fighting in East Pakistan appears to have ended. Radio Pakistan says that the fighting has ceased and that Indian forces have entered the capital, Dacca. The Pakistanis said that this came about after an arrangement made between the local Pakistan and Indian army commanders. In Parliament in Delhi the Indian Prime Minister, Mrs. Gandhi, said that representatives of the two sides had signed a surrender agreement in Dacca. Mrs. Gandhi said the agreement was unconditional on the Pakistani side. She said that India hoped that the East Pakistani leader. Sheikh Mujibur Rahman-who has been held in West Pakistan would take his place among his own people and lead Bangladesh to peace. Indian forces (Mrs Gandhi said) would not remain in East Pakistan any longer than necessary. And she added that the millions of refugees had already begun to trek homewards.
Earlier, two Indian generals flew to Dacca, and a BBC correspondent in Delhi says their task is to see that power is handed over with the minimum of disorder.
Pakistan admits defeat 1256; Snaps on surrender (first 1207) Osman 101/RTR/with Ringmain on Sheikh.
ROY/NK
131 Ohio