330 ংলাদেশের স্বাধীনতা যুদ্ধ দলিলপত্রঃ ত্রয়োদশ খন্ড Government is doing what it can to meet the humanitarian needs of the refugees with the limited resources available and with the help of the private voluntary agencies. Mr. President, it is clearer everyday that a massive human tragedy is developing, as a result of unrest and conflict in East Pakistan. How much longer will the world stand idle while the region plunges toward the brink of disaster? How much longer will the United Nations study the problem, when humanitarian needs are so clearly evident? How much longer will our Government point with satisfaction to the meager efforts it is making and to an international relief program that so far remains on paper? How much longer will we temporize in responding to India's appeals for relief supplies, such as tents, and for logistical support, such as C-130's and helicopterswhen massive stocks are available from U.S. sources throughout Southeast Asia? And how much longer will the Government of Pakistan claim that conditions are "normal" in East Pakistan, when each day sees tens of thousands of its citizens fleeing across the border into India? The alarming situation, Mr. President, has prompted me to write Secretary of State’s Rogres, to urge again that our Government view the plight of the people in East Pakistan and the refugees in India with deep compassion-and that, with a strong sense of urgency, we join with others in responding immediately to the requirements of peace and relief throughout the entire area. I ask unanimous consent that the text of this letter, dated May 27, be made a part of my remarks at this point in the Record. May 27.1971 HON. WILLIAM P. ROGERS, Secretary of State, Department of State, Washington, D.C. DEAR MR. SECRETARY: Congressional and public concern continues over the situation in East Pakistan and the heavy flow of refugees into India! As you know, I share this concern, and since the early days of the tragedy I have strongly advocated and supported efforts by our government and others to ameliorate political tensions in the area and to initiate emergency relief operations under international auspices, preferably the United Nations. The record indicates that little substantive progress has been made. The situation continues to deteriorate. Nearly all reports, including those to our government, tell of growing human need, sporadic military conflict, lack of government services, and deepening divisions between the central government and the people of East Pakistan. Political tensions between the governments of India and Pakistan escalate daily, and threatens the peace and stability of the area, and Great Power confrontation. The flow of refugees into India reportedly continues at a rate approaching 100,000 persons a day. The cumulative total already exceeds 3,500,000. India's appeal on April 23 for international humanitarian assistance has received only a token response, as individual governments and the United Nations stand immobilized in the face of great tragedy.
