704 বাংলাদেশের স্বাধীনতা যুদ্ধ দলিলপত্রঃ ত্রয়োদশ খন্ড understanding and concern displayed by the Government of the Federal Republic of Germany for the difficult situation created in India. The German side expressed interest of the Federal Government in peace and stability in the sub-continent and slated that it followed the developments with great concern and was aware of the dangers to the security of the region. There was agreement that India alone has not in a position to solve the enormous task of caring for the refugees. The German side pointed out that the Federal government in response to the appeal by the Secretary of the United Nations had already made available first contribution to the UN High Commissioner for Refugees and that the Federal Cabinet was going to consider the question of more assistance for the refugees at its meeting on 10th June. The two Foreign Ministers agreed that an early political solution of the problem was essential for the return of the refugees to their homes. The Federal Minister for Foreign Affairs explained to his Indian guest the present, state of the problem of Germany and Berlin and German relations with the countries of the East and West Europe. The Indian Foreign Minister conveyed high appreciation of the Government of India for the initiative undertaken by the leadership of the Federal Republic in the interest of detente rapprochement and co-operation in Europe. The discussions took place in a spirit of friendship and understanding which characterize the relations between the Federal Republic of Germany and India." STATEMENT BY FERDINAND E. MARCOS, PRESIDENT OF THE PHILIPPINES, ON JUNE 15, 1971 Following is the text of the letter from the Foreign Minister of the Philippines. Honorable Carlos P. Romulo, to the Indian Ambassador, Shri Deva Rao. "I have the honor to inform you that in response to the letter of Her Excellency the Prime Minister of India, dated May 18, 1971, addressed to the President of the Philippines, on June 15, the President issued the following statement to the press. "The Government and the people of the Philippines wish to express their deep concern for the plight of the Bengali people adversely affected by the conflict, in East Pakistan. "Although initially a political problem of internal governance in Pakistan - in which the Philippines does not wish to be a party - it is now a humanitarian problem involving the suffering, mounting daily in its intensity, of millions of Bengalis. To date the movement of refugees out of East Bengal to the West Bengal region of India has reached tidal proportions, close to five million and a raging cholera epidemic is wrecking havoc among them. "In the face of this situation the Philippines feels that swift and substantial succor must immediately be mobilized by all. The nations concerned including the Pakistan
