677 ংলাদেশের স্বাধীনতা যুদ্ধ দলিলপত্রঃ ত্রয়োদশ খন্ড of the problem is possible. Even for a political solution, I am afraid, it is far too late in the day. There should be nothing short of independence of Bangladesh and I strongly appeal to all sections to support this as it would be a victor)' for morality, for decency and for civilization. Sigrid Hannisdahl Norway Mr. President, Ladies and Gentlemen: It is a privilege to be here and have the opportunity to try to contribute in the solution of the immense problems of Bangladesh. I am the Chairman of the World Association of World Federalists INGO Committee, Oslo. We in our country, as people in all countries of the world, are deeply concerned about the unbelievable tragedies we daily hear from the newspapers, radio and television. As Chairman of the INGO Committee, I think our immediate task will be to work hard through nongovernmental organizations to create public opinion and pressure groups strong enough to influence the political decision- makers. And last, but not the least, I challenge the women in the world: Let us not any longer be pessimists. Let us step forward and cry out a "NO" to all the ever, increasing aggression on our planet. We have the most glorious example in this country of what can be accomplished by the ability and will-power of a woman. Let your Prime Minister be the guiding star in the freedom fight of Bangladesh. John Dunham Australia Mr. Chairman, Ladies and Gentlemen: 1 will make my remarks very short partly because Australia's contribution is not always important in proportion to the size of the Bangladesh problem and partly because of the potentialities of Australia. I have to emphasize this very much. As Australians we want to learn from this Conference just precisely what action should be taken and in which way we can rightly coordinate with those who are interested in this problem. The Australians have unfortunately taken a rather ostrich-like attitude, which the Chairman has referred to, in his opening address. Our government has insisted, as many other governments, that this is an internal matter of Pakistan. It has made some contribution towards the relief of refugees. The Prime Minister in reply to a question in Parliament has said that he has written several times to Yahya Khan appealing for the release of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and setting out his ideas or some terms for a political settlement. A much brighter picture, however, exists at the nonofficial level and there are the beginnings of systematic campaigns in support of Bangladesh. In some states of Australia committees have been formed in support of Bangladesh and they are working primarily to publish information for the benefit of the Australian public to involve Australia more actively in the political rather than the obvious humanitarian aspect of the problem. Australia needs much more information and communication with the Bangladesh Provisional Government. The newspapers face a problem because Australia has no permanent newspaper representative in India. These Committees are thinking in terms of
