Delhi. April 21.—The Indian Government said today that 258,734 refugees from East Pakistan had crossed into India since the civil war broke out four weeks ago. Mr. Khadilkar, Minister of Rehabilitation, said the influx had increased in the past week "evidently because of extreme brutality" by Pakistan troops.

India had cheerfully taken these people in and looked after them. Assistance from voluntary relief agencies abroad would be welcome but the Minister said they would have to coordinate their contributions " through existing Indian agencies".

Delhi is reported to have asked Pakistan to allow the families of Indian diplomats to be flown out of Dacca.

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Karachi. April 21.—Britain cancelled celebrations of the Queen's birthday throughout Pakistan today because of the situation in east Bengal. A People's Party statement said that to issue invitations, they cancel them was "a gross interference" in internal affairs.—A.P. and Reuter.