I have received your communication regarding a ceasefire in Bangladesh at 1430 hours today through the American Embassy in New Delhi.

I have previously informed General Firman Ali in two messages that I would guarantee safety of all your military and paramilitary forces who surrender to me in Bangladesh and complete protection to foreign nationals, ethnic minorities and personnel of West Pakistani origin, no matter who they may be. Since you have indicated your desire to stop fighting I expect you to issue orders to foces under your command in Bangladesh to cease fighting immediately and surrender to my advancing forces wherever they are located.

I give you my solemn assurance that personnel who surrender shall be treated with dignity and respect that soldiers are entitled to and I will abide by the provisions of the Geneva conventions. Further, as you have many wounded, I shall insure that they are well cared for and your dead given proper burial. No one need have any fear for their safety, no matter where they come from. Nor shall there be any reprisal by forces operating under my command.

Immediately I receive a positive response I shall direct General Aurora, commander of Indian and Bangladesh forces in the eastern theater, to refrain from all air and ground action against your forces. As the token of my good faith I have ordered that no air action shall take place over Dacca from 1700 hours today.

I assure you I have no desire to inflict unnecessary casualties on your troops as I abhor loss of human lives. Should, however, you not comply with what I had stated you will leave me with no other alternative but to resume my offensive with utmost vigor at 0900 hours on 16 December.
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In order to be able to discuss and finalize matters quickly I have arranged for a radio link on listening watch from 1700 hours today. Frequency will be 6605 kH by day and 3216 kH3 by night.

The call signs will be CALBAC. I would suggest to you to instruct your signalers to restore microwave communications immediately.

Message ends.