Kennedy wants diplomatic ties with Pindi snapped
WASHINGTON, Aug. 27.-Senator Edward Kennedy, just back from an inspection of Bangladesh refugee camps in India, said here yesterday the Nixon Administration should consider breaking diplomatic relations with Pakistan, reports Reuter.
The Chairman of the Senate Judiciary sub-committee on Refugees said he did not propose such a move at this time but it should be under consideration as part of the efforts to increase pressure on the Pakistan Government.
Senator Edward discussed the proposal during a question and answer session following a formal speech to the National Press Club urging international and American efforts to help the victims of the Bangladesh fighting.
The Senator renewed his demands that the USA suspended all arms shipments to Pakistan, including spare parts.
The Senator said continued shipments did not provide any sign of leverage with the Pakistan Government as claimed by the administrative officials.
Asked if the refugee camps in India were wrose than the Arab camps in West Asia, he told the Press Club; the camps in India are more depressing than any I have seen, including in Vietnam.”
He said that during his week-long visit to India he saw “a scene which only can be described as the most appaling tide of human misery in modern times.”
He proposed major changes in the American foreign policy towards Pakistan, including possible attempts to end its membership in the SEATO if the Pakistani Government does not end its “cruel policy of repression towards East Bengal.”
The Senator said. “We must demonstrate to the Generals of West Pakistan and to the peoples of the world that the USA has a deep and abiding revulsion of the monumental slaughter that has ravaged East Bengal.”
Senator Kennedy proposed greatly increased aid from the UN and the USA to help India cope with the influx of an estimated eight million refugees from Bangladesh. He described nearly $80 million (able Rs. 60 crores) already pledged by the Nixon Administration as “paltry”.
He also reiterated earlier appeals for complete suspension of US military aid to Pakistan and urged the termination of economic assistance as well.
Reference: Hindustan Standard 28.08.1971