Krishnagar. May 23
Indian troops moved out of their tent camps near the Pakistan frontier this weekend and began to construct dugouts and fortifications within 50 yards of the border and 500 yards west of an unknown number of Pakistani troops.

At the same time preparations were made to protect Calcutta airport from potential air attacks. A full battery of anti-aircraft guns was moved on to the eastern perimeter of the airport yesterday morning.

The gunners were seen aligning their radar sets and siting guns in an easterly direction. This would indicate that the Indian Government is preparing itself for something more than a limited border conflict.

There can be no doubt that Mrs. Gandhi has wanted to avoid war, but the influx of millions of refugees might compel the Indians to march into East Bengal in order to restore normal conditions there and save their own economy.

Sources close to the Cabinet said the Prime Minister was still hopeful that the big powers might put pressure on Pakistan and "persuade President Yahya Khan to create conditions in the eastern wing under which refugees could return to their homes".

At least three regiments front northern India, the Punjab Regiment, the Rajputs, and the Maratha Light Infantry, are in the vanguard on the Jessore front. Recoilless anti-tank guns mounted on jeeps have moved up to within 50 yards of the border, and Sikhs and Rajputs were seen within 100 yards of the frontier constructing fortifications and dugouts along the disused railway line connecting India and East Bengal.

The Pakistani troops on the other side of the frontier are out of sight behind a line of trees and are estimated to be at battalion strength.

There have been several other indications that the crisis is approaching. President Giri suddenly cancelled a four-day formal visit to Bombay because of "unavoidable circumstances."
Slaughter continues, page 4