1971-12-07
Page: 18
MOSCOW, Dec. 6—Pakistan privately urged the Soviet Union today not to follow India's recognition of East Pakistan as the independent nation of Bangla Desh, and well‐placed Soviet sources said Soviet recognition was not likely in the near future.
Diplomatic sources reported evidence that although Moscow had steadfastly backed India in her confrontation with Pakistan, the Kremlin did not want to risk a rupture in diplomatic relations with the Rawalpindi Government.
Soviet sources said that Mos cow did not want to further antagonize the Pakistani Government, especially since there was no actual government of Bangla Desh operating on its own territory.
Diplomatic informants indicated that Moscow would probably keep some foreign aid technicians in Pakistan to demonstrate its desire to maintain ties with Pakistan, although, like other nations, it may seek to remove dependents of its officials for safety reasons.
Normal commercial flights to Pakistan by Aeroflot, the Soviet airline, and by Pakistan International Airlines were reportedly suspended today. Aeroflot flights to New Delhi were reportedly rerouted to Bombay as a safety precaution.