189 বাংলাদেশের স্বাধীনতা যুদ্ধ দলিলপত্র : সপ্তম খণ্ড শিরোনাম সূত্র তারিখ ৮৭। জাতিসংঘ মহাসচিবের কাছে জেনারেল জাতিসংঘ দলিলপত্র উদ্ধৃতিঃ ২২ অক্টোবর, ১৯৭১ ইয়াহিয়ার উপর-পত্র ংলাদেশ ডকুমেন্টস PRESIDENT YAHYA KHAN'S REPLY, DATED OCTOBER 22, 1971, TO U.N. SECRETARY GENERAL’S LETTER OF OCTOBER 20, 1971. I have today received your message of October 20, 1971, through my Ambassador. I fully agree with your appreciation of the gravity of situation which is worsening rapidly on Indo-Pakistan borders. I also fully share your concern for preservation of peace and prevention of a disastrous situation developing for both the countries which could only result in suffering for millions of people, already as a result of Shelling of border villages on our side hundreds of men, women and children have been killed and wounded and large numbers rendered homeless. It is a pity a that a press Conference in New Delhi on October 19, 1971 the Indian Prime Minister has summarily rejected the proposal for withdrawal of forces of both countries from borders. The reason advanced for this in that Pakistan's lines of communications to borders are shorter than those of India. I do not wish to enter onto a controversy on this point and would suggest that withdrawals of man-power along with armour and artillery army take place all along the Indo-Pakistan international frontiers both in east and west, if not to peace time stations, ten at least to a security on both sides. At the same time, armed infiltration and shelling into our borders in East Pakistan should cease. I further recommend that U.N. observers on both sides of borders should oversee the withdrawal and supervise the maintenance of peace. Only the recognized border security and police forces should then remain at border post which they have traditionally occupied. I also welcome the offer you have made for making your good offices available and very much hope that you can pay an immediate visit to India and Pakistan to discuss the ways and means of withdrawal of forces. This, I am sure, will have a salutary and desirable effect and further the cause of peace. In view of the urgency and gravity of the situation, confirmed by Indian leaders on October 19" last, threatening to occupy and hold border cities of Lahor and Sialkot, a public declaration by you of your intention to visit India and Pakistan to seek a settlement of differences would be most desirable. In conclusion, I assure you of full co-operation on the part of my country in all your efforts directed towards the preservation of peace. Please accept, Excellency, the assurances of my highest consideration.
