3. Since then Mr. Rohde remained involved with the secessionist group of Awami Leaguers in East Pakistan before and after the general election last December 7. By such action Mr. Rohde abused the hospitality afforded to him by a friendly country, and damaged not only the commendable relief efforts mounted by other forcign organizations including American organizations but the cause of outside relief assistance in East Pakistan generally. It is no surprise therefore that in his recent letter to United Nations Secretary General U Thant, the President of Pakistan has stated that while international relief for East Pakistan is very welcome, it will be administered by Pakistan's own relief agencies who, especially after the last cyclone, are well prepared and well-equipped to undertake the task. The Pakistan Government is clearly anxious to avoid a repetition of the bitter experience it has after the November cyclone at the hands of foreign relief officials like Mr. Rohde. In the light of the difficulties which arose in Nigeria in respect of certain relief agencies which became involved in the Biafran secessionist politics, it is only natural that the Pakistan Government should now want to move in this matter with extreme caution.
4. I would like to assure the members of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee that the Pakistan army in suppressing the utter lawlessness that prevailed in the province after the Awami League leader, Mr. Mujibur Rahman, ordered his followers to start a civil disobedience campaign, did not use more force than was necessary against the armed mobs who had let loose a reign of terror and who were indulging in sheer looting and wanton killing of peaceful citizens. In the face of the chaotic happenings that ensued in East Pakistan after Mr. Rahman set up a parallel government from 1st March onwards there was absolutely no alternative except for my Government to order the army to restore law and order so that the unity and integrity of the country could be preserved and the lives and property of millions of innocent citizens who had never voted for separation protected.
5. The amount of damage and the number of casualties that ensued as a result of the army's action have been grossly exaggerated. As soon as the army has completed its task of helping the civil administration to resume full control, my Government proposes to invite representatives of the foreign press to visit East Pakistan and report to the outside world about the true state of affairs. I trust the distinguished members of your committee will withhold judgment until they have seen their reports. In the meanwhile, I take the liberty of sending you a copy of a letter I wrote to Professor Dorfman recently which summaries my Government’s case.
With my best regards,
