796 ংলাদেশের স্বাধীনতা যুদ্ধ দলিলপত্রঃ ত্রয়োদশ খন্ড 6. NETHERLANDS-Ambassador R. Fack: Realizing that the world has been confronted with the staggering problem of the refugees of East Pakistan on Indian soil, and deeply moved by the miserable' plight of these millions. I have been authorized today to announce that my Government will make available a further gift of 10 million Guilders (about 3 million dollars) for the refugees in India and a further gift of 10 million Guilders (of which half will be in food aid) for the population of East Pakistan. The world's assistance has not been sufficient. What can this Committee and the General Assembly do to help find or promote a solution of a humanitarian problem of unprecedented scope which is putting an enormous strain on India, and at the same time on the relations between India and Pakistan. The Indian Government deserves the world's gratitude for this speedy and generous response. Both India and Pakistan seem to share the view of the international community that voluntary repatriation of the refugees is the only solution to this problem. As there are no signs of an impending large scale return, the world community faces two problems, namely, an immediate need for increased international aid to relieve the sufferings of the refugee and of those living in object circumstances in East Pakistan, and secondly the urgency of promoting a solution by means of voluntary repatriation. The Committee should lend its Wright to previous appeals for massive aid and assistance and at the same time bear in mind that it should be commensurate with the world community's willingness to indicate and promote a solution, as world s interest in specific refugee problems tends to flag if allowed to drag on unresolved; and the longer they last, it becomes difficult to raise funds and their mere presence becomes an international liability. Therefore, this, Committee and the General, Assembly, in the interests of the refugees and in accordance with the declared views of the Governments of India and Pakistan, tackle the two aspects of the question at the same time. To this end. the Netherlands delegation and the delegation of New Zealand have drafted a resolution. The tragedy of the sub-continent was caused by mortal fear-often understandable, sometimes perhaps irrational but still mortal fear The co-sponsors regard the draft as entirely non-controversial. The appeals to the two Governments are strictly in conformity with the declared intentions of these Governments. 7. NEW ZEALAND-Ambassador J. V. Scott. The refugee problem has worsened with refugees continuing to cross the border into India. Greater international efforts were required to provide for the refugees and the people of East Pakistan. They would like to see that the ECOSOC review the situation when next in session. India could not be expected to bear the burden of the refugees indefinitely. The only satisfactory solution to the problem is for the refugees to return in safety and confidence to their country. Conditions must be created in East Pakistan which would encourage the refugees to return to their homes and take part in the development of the country. That was the only way to achieve a durable solution. So far, relatively few refugees have returned to their homes, and in the last few weeks security conditions in East Pakistan had deteriorated, border clashes have become more frequent, and tension had risen to a point where there was a serious danger of war between India and Pakistan. At the heart of the problem was the desire of the people of East Pakistan for greater control of their own affairs. Thus the problem could only be solved by negotiations between the Government of Pakistan and the freely elected representatives of the people of East Pakistan. The resources available were still far from adequate to meet the needs of the situation. In the belief that the
