পাতা:বাংলাদেশের স্বাধীনতা যুদ্ধ দলিলপত্র (ত্রয়োদশ খণ্ড).pdf/২৪৬

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বাংলাদেশের স্বাধীনতা যুদ্ধ দলিলপত্রঃ ত্রয়োদশ খণ্ড

Pakistan Government or its agents since the outbreak of fighting in East Pakistan March 25, 26, and nothing is presently scheduled for such delivery,


 Like you, we have noted reports of imminent food shortages in East Pakistan and possible famine. We are watching this potential problem very closely. At last account, Pakistan Government stocks stood at 700,000 tons of food grains, or four months supply for the urban areas at normal rates of off take. Over 200,000 tons is enroute from various countries, including the U.S. A further 300,000 tons for U.S. grain has been authorized and will move as soon as conditions are created in East Pakistan where unloading and the movement of grains can take place. The problem at the moment is not supply but distribution. We, therefore, have been urging the Government of Pakistan to make every effort to the unloading of the grains and to open up distribution channels so that the food can be distributed promptly and equitably throughout East Pakistan. If future needs require, we would of course immediately consider additional PL-480 shipments.


 At the time of Mr. Van Hollen's meeting, our information was that there had not been any substantial flow or refugees from East Pakistan into India. Since then, press reports indicate that the Pakistan Army has consolidated its position and moved closer to the Indian border. As a consequence, there has been an increased flow of refugees into India. We have asked the Government of India to give us up-to-date information about the situation and have reiterated our willingness to support any necessary relief effort on the part of international organizations such as the U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees, the League of Red Cross Societies, and the World Food Program.


 In light of the possibly serious situation that may be developing in respect to a food shortage and also refugee requirements, there is an active and continuous interagency review of the need for relief in East Pakistan and for refugees. We are inventorying resources which we and other nations might draw on to meet these needs.


 We have provided members of your staff with a compilation of the Department of State's Statements on East Pakistan a copy of which is enclosed. These relate to our concern over the situation there, our hope that the Pakistan Government will avail itself of international humanitarian offers of assistance, and our concern over the use of U.S. arms. We have also conveyed these concerns privately to the Government of Pakistan on a number of occasions, both here and in Islamabad, and will continue to do so.


 We will give the East Pakistan situation our very closest attention and will also continue to remain in close touch with members of your staff on aspects of the situation in which you and your staff are interested.


 Sincerely yours,

DAVID M. ABSHIRE,   
Assistant Secretary for Congressional Relations.


Enclosure:

 Press Spokesmen's Statements.