STATEMENT BY MR. NIGEL H. BOWEN. AUSTRALIAN MINISTER OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS- DECEMBER 5,1971
Following is a report on the Statement :
The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr. Bowen, announced Australia’s neutrality in the conflict between India and Pakistan last night (December 5), and will make a report to FederalCabinet in Sydney today (… December 6)
Mr. Bowen said in a statement issued in Canberra last night that the Australian Government was “gravely concerned” at the outbreak of full-scale war between India and Pakistan.
He said that although it appeared that neither Government had made a formal declaration of war on the other, both parties had now made clear that a state of war existed between them.
Mr. Bowen said that in recent weeks, as at earlier stages of the crisis over East Pakistan, Australia had been in close touch with both parties and with other interested governments, in efforts to reduce tension and pomote a political settement.
The Government deeply regretted the turn that events had now taken but would continue to do whatever it could to help end the fighting.
Mr. Bowen noted that the Security Council was at present meeting in emergency session to consider the situation.
The statement was issued before the Soviet veto in the Security Council.
Australia would not supply arms or warlike stores to either party but would maintain its humanitarian and economic aid within the physical limits set by the fighting and subject to necessary security precautions.
Australia had good relations with both India and Pakistan, which were fellow mombers of the Commonwealth, and we were engaged in programs of economic and technical assistance to both countries.
Mr. Bowen said the Government was in close and constant communication with the Australisn High commissions in Islamabad and New Delhi about the development of the situation and the safety of Australian citizens.
Reference : THE CANBERRA TIMES, 12.06.1971