বাংলাদেশের স্বাধীনতা যুদ্ধ দলিলপত্রঃ ত্রয়োদশ খণ্ড
limited military sales program to both countries in 1966-67, we have sold to Pakistan, pronominal for cash, only non-lethal equipment and spare pans and ammunition for arms previously supplied by us. Non-lethal items have included trainer land transport aircraft: transport equipment such as trucks and jeeps; and communications, medical engineering equipment. Ammunition in various calibers for weapons supplied prior to the enlarge in 1965 has comprised less than 15 per cent of the total sales program since 1966. We have continued to sell spare pans and ammunition in order to keep previously supplied U.S. equipment operational, in the belief that to allow this equipment to become inoperative would compel Pakistan to purchase more expensive and modem replacements, diverting resources from economic development to defense and fueling an arms race in the Subcontinent.
We have been informed by the Department of Defense that no military items have been provided to the Government of Pakistan or its agents since the outbreak of fighting in East Pakistan March 25 and nothing is now scheduled for such delivery. We are urgently reviewing this military sales program.
As you know, last October we announced a one-time exception to our military supply policy to sell Pakistan a limited quantity of arms including same armoured personnel carriers, a few replacement interceptor and bomber aircraft, and several maritime patrol aircraft. Nothing has been delivered following this decision, nothing is in the pipeline, and technical talks on this subject have not been held during the past six weeks. This matter is also being kept under review.
We are very much aware that some members of the Senate are concerned about our military supply policy toward Pakistan. Department officers are prepared to brief you and other Senators on this subject and to answer any further questions you may have.
I am enclosing a compilation of recent statements made by Department spokesmen on the situation in East Pakistan. They include several statements specifically on military supply as well as statements of official concern over the loss of life and damage, sympathy for the victims of these events, information on the food situation and expressions of hope that peaceful conditions can be restored and a peaceful accommodation achieved.
Assistant Secretary for Congressional Relations
