U.K. National Archives
1971-06-30
Excerpt from the Records of the UK Cabinet CAB 128/49/35.
Conclusions of a meeting of the Cabinet held at 10 Downing Street, on Wednesday, 30 June, 1971 at 11.00 a.m.
Conclusions of a meeting of the Cabinet held at 10 Downing Street, on Wednesday, 30 June, 1971 at 11.00 a.m.
Attendees: E Heath; R Maudling; Hailsham; W Whitelaw; K Joseph; R Carr; G Campbell; P Walker; J Prior; A Douglas-Home; A Barber; Carrington; G Rippon; M Thatcher; Jellicoe; P Thomas; J Davies; M Macmillan; F Pym.
The Foreign and Commonwealth Secretary said that he had discussed the position of the refugees from East Pakistan with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. Prince Sadruddin. The High Commissioner had palmed a. gloomy picture of the situation; and the only suggestion which he had been able to make was that 50 United Nations representatives should be stationed between East Pakistan and West Bengal in order to help to create the atmosphere of renewed confidence which was essential if the refugees were to be encouraged to return to East Pakistan. This, however, would require the co-operation of the Indian Government; and their present attitude in relation to e.g. the management of the relief supplies which had been sent to the arm made it doubtful whether they would be prepared to collaborate in giving effect to a proposal of this kind.