Chicago Sun-Times

WASHINGTON--The State Department has told Sen. Edward M. Kennedy (D-Mass.) that establishment of an emergency relief program in East Pakistan is a "necessary prelude" for resumption of U.S. aid to the Pakistani government.

Kennedy and his staff said that this was a welcome change in policy by the U.S. government, but the senator nevertheless blasted the administration for failing to speak out or take adequate steps to aid victims of the Pakistani civil war.

Kennedy said that the staff of his refugee subcommittee estimated that 10,000 persons had already died of starvation in East Pakistan and that "close to 2 million will surely face starvation" unless massive aid is supplied.

Kennedy said that "virtually no relief" has reached refugees still in East Pakistan and that inadequate amounts were reaching those who have fled into India.

The United States according to Kennedy's staff, has committed $17 million to relief in India, whereas the needs over the next six months will amount to $680 million.

The State Department said the U.S. refugee-aid commitment rose this week by another $9 million.

A State Department spokesman confirmed that both military and economic aid to Pakistan is "under review" amid the civil war. It will not be renewed until "the situation is normalized."