U.S. Stop-Gap Aid Plan On The Anvil
Arms Assistance Untouched
NEW YORK, Oct. 31.-The Nixon Administration’s $2.3 billion military aid, of which Pakistan is a recipient, is not likely to be affected by the Senate’s rejection of the Foreign Aid Bill, reports PTI. This allocation is believed to the part of the defence budget which does not come under the impugned legislation. : Hopes are also being held out that the allocation of $250 million for refugees from East Bengal will not be materially affected by the Senate action.
The Administration is now drawing up a “stop-gap” foreign aid programme from the wreckage of the Foreign Aid Bill, the New York Times reported today.
One of the principles to be followed will be to see that humanitarian projects-these include the refugee relief programme-should not be allowed to suffer because of the adverse Senate vote, the newspaper reported.
It is being proposed that the Administration should seek supplemental appropriation of $400 million-$250 million for the East Bengal refugees and $510 million for programmes in Vietnam.
It is being stated that 11 U.N. activities, including the U.N. Development Programme and the Food and Agriculture Organization, will be in serious jeopardy if the “damage” done by the Senate on Friday is not undone.
Reports from Washington predict that the concept of U.S. economic aid will undergo a radical change. This may imply that the developing countries receiving such aid will be called upon increasingly to practise self-reliance and reshape their development strategies suitably.
Reference: Hindustan Standard 31.10.1971