81 6 ংলাদেশের স্বাধীনতা যুদ্ধ দলিলপত্রঃ ত্রয়োদশ খন্ড শিরোনাম গৃব্ৰ তারিখ প্রধানমন্ত্রী ইন্দিরা গান্ধীকে ও প্রেসিডেন্ট ইয়াহিয়া | জাতিসংঘ ডকুমেন্টস | ২০ অক্টোবর, ১৯৭১ খানকে প্রদত্ত জাতিসংঘ মহাসচিবের পত্র U. N. SECRETARY-GENERAL'S LETTER TO PRIME MINISTER INDIRA GANDHI AND PRESIDENT YAHYA KHAN OCTOBER 20, 1971 On 19th July, 1971, as Your Excellency will recall, I addressed a memorandum to the President of the Security Council concerning the situation in East Pakistan and the adjacent Indian states. In that Memorandum, I expressed my concern at the possible consequences for international peace and security of the situation in that area of the world. Recent developments have only served to increase my anxiety that this situation could all too easily give rise to open hostilities which would not only be disastrous for the two countries principally concerned, but might also constitute a major threat to the wider peace. I have in mind both recent indications of a worsening situation on the borders of East Pakistan and reports of growing tension on the border between West Pakistan and India and on the cease-fire line in Jammu and Kashmir. I wish to emphasize that have full confidence in the sincere desire of both Governments to avoid a senseless and destructive war. I have noted the efforts of the leaders on both sides have made, in spite of the severe pressures on them, to discourage developments which might lead to open conflict. In the prevailing circumstances, however, where feelings run high and where both Governments are under exceptional stress and strain, a small and unintentional incident could all too easily lead to more widespread conflict. The Chief Military Observer of UNMOGIP, with my full backing is doing all that he can on the cease-fire line in Jammu and Kashmir to ease tensions, to avert misunderstandings, to prevent military escalation and to avoid confrontations that might lead to open hostilities. On the borders of East Pakistan and on the international frontier between India and West Pakistan there is, of course, no comparable U. N. mechanism. In this potentiality very dangerous situation. I feel that it is my duty as SecretaryGeneral to do all that I can to assist the Governments immediately concerned in avoiding any development which might lead to disaster. I wish your Excellency to know, therefore, that my good offices are entirely at your disposal if you believe that they could be helpful at any time. Naturally, the Chief military Observer of UNMOGIP will continue to do his utmost to assist in maintaining the peace in the area and of his responsibility. I have addressed similar communication to the President of Pakistan/ Prime Minister of India. I take this opportunity to renew to your Excellency the assurances of my highest consideration.
