individuals. This concern of mine is broadly shared by the international community and by the U.N. circles. It is for this reason that they have been insisting on supervision, by the international community, the U.N. Organizations, of the distribution arrangements with regard to such relief that might be made available to the Government of Pakistan.
There is no substitute for experience. By now it is well-known that even the relief that was given to the Pakistan Government for the relief of the sufferers of cyclone some months back—a good part of it has remained unutilized. And, I can say on good authority that the boats for relief work, which were given at that time to Pakistan authorities came in very handy for the Pakistan military authorities when they were dealing with the freedom fighters.
Question: Mr. Minister, do you think it at all possible that the two sections of Pakistan can be continued under one Government?
Foreign Minister: I would not like to comment upon the future course of events. I would like to clarify our stand with regard to this issue, that we consider, and have taken the stand, that this is a matter between whatever may be the central authority of Pakistan and the people of East Bengal. It is for the people of East Bengal to work out their future. And, so far as we are concerned, we will be perfectly satisfied if the elected representatives who represent the wish of the people-almost unanimously-if they work out any arrangement. It is for them to take a view of the future course of events. And, the quantum of autonomy or the nature of the relationship, whether it is independent or semi-independent, autonomous or whatever it is, it is their future and it’s for those people to decide. We have not taken any fixed stand with regard to this issue.
Question: In response to an earlier question as to whether India might act to absorb East Bengal, you said that West Bengal would not want to quit India to form a new state of both Bengals. Can you answer the original question, please?
Foreign Minister: Can you repeat, Mr. President?
Question: Apparently someone was not content with the earlier question as to whether Indian might act to absorb East Bengal and would probably want you to comment further, if you will.
Foreign Minister: The East Bengal freedom fighters, who are so keen to gain their own independence—I do not think that they will readily like again to become non-independent by becoming a part of India. This does not appear to be consistent with the ideas of freedom which today are saying in such a powerful manner—almost unanimously—the people in East Bengal.
Question: Your Excellency, how much, in a specific figure. Indian believes it needs in international humanitarian aid for the remainder of the year?
Foreign Minister: In this connection, I would like to state one or two points. One, our view has always been, and continues to be that in the first place, the care of the East Pakistani citizens who happened now to be temporarily in India—the entire responsibility is clearly that of the Government of Pakistan.
