US may no more given arms to Pakistan
The U. S. Government’s intention in this regard, the sources said, had already been conveyed to Mrs. Gandhi.
The announcement on the end of supplies in the pipeline and the decision not to extend military aid to Pakistan is expected to be made after reference to a congressional committee in the next few days.
Mrs. Gandhi, who answered questions from newsmen at a luncheon hosted by the National Press Club after her second round of discussions with Mr. Nixon yesterday, declined to give details of the talks.
Informed sources, however, said the talks, spread over three hours, have led to a better appreciation by the USA of the Bangladesh crisis, including the urgency of a political solution.
These sources said Mr. Nixon or the Secretary of State, Mr. Rogers, did not put too much emphasis on withdrawal of forces from the India-Pakistan border, nor did they make any suggestions for UN good offices or presence of UN observers.
Although the US government is believed to have said withdrawal of forces would help reduce tensions, India’s firm opposition to any move which would place her at a relative disadvantage was conveyed to them.
As Mrs. Gandhi pointed out at the Press Club luncheon, it was Pakistan that first moved her troops to the borders and having had to face aggressions twice from Pakistan, India did not want to be caught unawares.
Asked whether it would not be a good idea for her to meet President Yahya Khan, she reaffirmed her London statement that she would be prepared to meet him if they were to discuss Indo-Pakistani problems but the problem of East Bengal basically concerned the people of the area.
India, she said, had no quarrel with Pakistan or its people. “We feel that because of one person’s mistakes, Pakistan is suffering and if we try to bale out that one persons, it must not be at the cost of India.”
Mrs. Gandhi also alluded to the recent interview of Gen. Yahya Khan to a French newspaper in which he had used intemperate language against her and said: “It is to an attitude which shows that there can be a friendly conversation.”
The Prime Minister also explained why India is opposed to the posting of UN observers on the India side of the border with Bangladesh.
Mrs. Gandhi told her questioner that people were still being killed in East Bengal and refugees continued to pour into India every day.
“If you want the refugees to go back, the first question they will ask is whether it is safe to go back and, if it is safe why more and more people are coming.
“If the Secretary-General is able to ensure that the stream which is still pouring in can be stopped, we can consolidate that position under which refugees can go back.”
Mrs. Gandhi arrived at Kennedy airport at 8-42 p.m. (IST) for a one-day stay after meeting President Nixon in Washington.
Mrs. Gandhi, wearing a yellow and orange sarl and a black coat was received by Mr. Samar Sen. India’s permanent representative to the United Nations.
She will leave for Paris early tomorrow morning.
Reference: Hindustan Standard 7.11.1971