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Background: India has supplied aid to East Pakistan. The first consignment of planks of wood crossed the border by lorry at Haridaspur Petrapole last Wednesday ( 17 March ). The planks will be used for the construction of boats for transport in the areas devastated by last November's tidal wave. The border areas have for some years been centres of tension between the countries, hence the significance of this relief shipment into East Pakistan.

SYNOPSIS: The road to the border of India and Pakistan has been carrying the first Indian consignments of aid to the stricken ares of East Pakistan. This has led to a relaxation of the traditional tension along the border.

The first relief supplies to cross the border last Wednesday were planks of wood. In all, three lorry loads passed through the border. Planks to the value of 10,000 Rupees have been given by the Indian Government.

After getting through customs, the planks will be used for the construction of small boats. These boats will be a valuable addition to the transport network in the Ganges Delta, which is still getting back to normal after last November's tidal wave and floods.

The consignments are doubly appreciated by the East Pakistanis because the present political tension in the area has made the delivery of aid from more distant places difficult. This has accentuated the pleasure of the East Pakistanis at getting aid from India.