753 ংলাদেশের স্বাধীনতা যুদ্ধ দলিলপত্রঃ ত্রয়োদশ খন্ড with the continuing flow of refugees across the border into India. This is not a situation from which the international community dare turn away their eyes. The High Commissioner's responsibilities are crucial in channeling aid to alleviate the human misery that has undoubtedly been caused. All that he has said discloses the need for compassion and effort on the part of others in a situation fraught with great danger. His influence has been a restraining one in dealing with issues that have aroused the most intense feelings on either side. We hope that, with the encouragement of this Council, the High Commissioner's efforts will further promote an international atmosphere in which the problems that have given rise to the refugee crisis, and which have so far kept it from solution, can be dealt with. I said in my general debate speech on 8 July that "It will not be fruitful to consider the reasons why this situation has arisen, nor is it necessary to consider in this Council the political conditions that need to exist before the refugees will be content to return to their homes". The need to avoid any action which would impair an already difficult situation is obvious. New Zealand itself has no wish to become involved in the internal affairs of either India or Pakistan. New Zealanders, nevertheless, arc deeply distressed at the suffering and loss of life caused by the refugee crisis and are conscious of its implications for the stability of the region. It seems clear to us that very little beyond immediate hand-to-mouth relief of the refugees can be achieved without the establishment of a climate of confidence in East Pakistan which will allay the fears of those who are at present taking refuge in India. The dictates of humanitarianism do not cease with the provision of food and shelter-and there remains enough to be done even in that sphere. They extend to the long-term future of the unfortunate refugees and particularly their right to return of their own free will to their homes in conditions which promise them a normal life as citizens participating fully in their society. This simple message a message of humane concern not a blueprint for a solution which does not lie within the Council's competence is the one which my delegation hopes will emerge from the discussion in this Council. The High Commissioner towards the end of his statement touched upon this crucial and central factor when he spoke of the urgency of voluntary repatriation of the refugees. He said and I quote. "I have noted in this connection that the Government of India has stressed the urgency of an early return, as the refugees cannot be permanently settled in India. I have also noted the Government of Pakistan's position that the refugees should repatriate. I would like to assure the Council that I stand ready to facilitate, in any way possible, the voluntary repatriation of the refugees. That, indeed, must remain the humanitarian goal that guides our endeavors. I am only too aware of the complexities of the situation. The need above all is to ensure a climate of confidence, one in which the refugee himself will voluntarily wish to repatriate." We endorse his view of the critical importance of voluntary repatriation as the best solution to the problem.
