868 ংলাদেশের স্বাধীনতা যুদ্ধ দলিলপত্রঃ ত্রয়োদশ খন্ড শিরোনাম সূত্র তারিখ জাতিসংঘ সাধারণ পরিষদে পররাষ্ট্রমন্ত্রী সরদার | জাতিসংঘ ডকুমেন্টস ২৭ সেপ্টেম্বর, ১৯৭১ শরণ সিংহর বিবৃতির অংশবিশেষ EXTRACTS FROM THE STATEMENT OF FOREIGN MINISTER SARDAR SWARAN SINGH IN THE 11 N. GENERAL ASSEMBLY September 27, 1971 For India, the year 1971 opened with many promises. The economy was poised for a high rate of growth. In March, we had our general elections. Prime Minister Indira Gandhi was returned to power with an overwhelming majority. Her success reflected the solid support of our people for a concerted programme for socioeconomic progress. Externally, we had trial to establish warmer relations with all countries, particularly with our neighbors. The fact that Pakistan had a little earlier, in December, 1970, held its first-ever general elections was welcomed in India. The introduction of a democratic process in Pakistan would, we hoped, bring about improved relations with this important neighbor of ours. Yet the entire picture was changed overnight when the events in the eastern wing of Pakistan took a catastrophic course. An international problem of utmost gravity and concern was created. Several Governments and international authorities have recognized the true character of this problem. The Secretary-General, U Thant. not only has brought the situation to the attention of the Members of the Security Council, but has included his views in the introduction to his annual report. The Assembly has already heard the concern which the outgoing President, Ambassador Hambro, expressed in his speech on 21st September. By the middle of April, it had become clear that Pakistan had no intention of abandoning its military methods, and that we would be faced with an unprecedented flow of Pakistani refugees into our country. Refugee camps had to be speedily organized, and the systematic and detailed registration of the large number of foreigners had to be undertaken. Ration cards and temporary permits for stay in India had to be issued, transport and food supplies had to be organized and medical attention had to be provided These relief measures could, however, meet only a fraction of the needs of the refugees. We asked the international community for help, and although the response to the Secretary-General's appeal has been warm, it is but a very small part of what is actually needed. By far the largest contribution towards the upkeep of the refugees has had to be made by India from its badly needed resources. We are sheltering and looking after the refugees on behalf of the international community. We simply do not have the capacity and resources to bear this burden. While we gave them-on purely humanitarian grounds- shelter and refugee when they were fleeing for their lives, we have made it repeatedly clear that they are with us only temporarily and must return home. This has been accepted and endorsed by the world community. It has been impossible to make any firm estimates of what it would cost us in the coming months, but on the basis of the present figure the total cost may well be more than $800 million by the end of next March.
