1971-06-22
By Peter Hazelhurst
Page: 6
Delhi, June 21
Angry Indian MPs alleged today that the United Nations determination to deal with the refugee problem effectively would be undermined because the High Commissioner for refugees. Prince Sadruddin Aga Khan, had a large following in Pakistan and was biased in favour of President Yahya Kahn.
The accusations, which were raised in the Upper House of Parliament today, indicate that the United Nations will soon be drawn into the Indo-Pakistan controversy, diminishing the organization’s capacity to assist the millions of starving people in East and West Bengal.
Representatives from most political parties alleged that Prince Sadruddin’s family were involved in the formation of Pakistan and he had a large following and interests in that country. In the circumstances they felt that the Prince, who recently visited Pakistan and India, would be biased.
Reflecting the mood of the House Mr Krishnan Kant, of the ruling Congress Party, said that the Prince had a “cheek” to suggest the refugee problem could be solved by voluntary repatriation. “This stooge and the spokesman of Yahya Khan had claimed that the situation in East Bengal is normal”, he said.
Mr Kant and other members of the House also alleged that the Prince had spent only three days in India and inspected the refugee camps in a perfunctory manner. In contrast to his three-day visit to India the High Commissioner had spent seven days in Pakistan.
Several members asked the Government to raise the question at the United Nations; others wanted the United Nations to relieve the controversial Prince of all work connected with refugees in India.
In an unsuccessful attempt to defend the bona fides of his guest Mr R. K. Khadilkar, Minister for Refugees and Rehabilitation, said that the Government was fully aware of the Prince’s antecedents and that his father was one of the founders of Pakistan, but he had visited India in his capacity as an official of the United Nations.
Dealing with the allegations that the Prince had claimed that normal conditions had. returned to Pakistan Mr Khadilkar said the Prince had denied having made such a statement. Mr Khadilkar went on to claim that the Prince had agreed with the Indian Government’s stand that the atrocities In East Bengal would have to end before refugees could return.
However, the minister disclosed that the Prince was not prepared to discuss India's stand that the refugee problem could only be solved if the military regime and the effected representatives of East Pakistan arrived at a political settlement.
Mr Khadilkar also said the time for a solution within the framework of Pakistan had passed. The matter could only be settled now between the Government of West Pakistan and the representatives of “Bangla Desh” who were seeking their independence.
Mt Khadilkar also warned the House that almost six million refugees have crossed the border and he expected the number to rise to eight or nine million.
--------------------
A delegation of four British MPs left London yesterday for a 10-day tour of India and Pakistan to investigate and report on the situation there and on the plight of the refugees.
The delegation comprises Mr James Ramsden and Mr. Toby Jessel, Conservatives, and Mr Arthur Bottomly and Mr Reg Prentive, Labour. They will visit Delhi and Dacca.
Mr Bottomley said he did not believe the Pakistan authorities would try to present the delegation with a white-washed version of the situation. “We have been assured about that, and in my past experience they have always been very cooperative.”
Paris, June 21.—Representatives of leading Western industrial powers and Japan today postponed discussion of fresh aid for Pakistan until a political settlement of the conflict is in sight, delegates to a meeting here said.
Members of the 11-nation Aid to Pakistan consortium had intended to set a date for a meeting with Pakistan representatives to discuss future aid. But they chose to wait and see what political settlement President Yahya Khan has to offer before they pledge further aid, one delegate said.
“We just do not know when our next meeting will be”. the delegate added.
The consortium heard a report by Mr Peter Cargill, South Asia director of the World Bank, who has just visited both parts of Pakistan. He denied reports that he had recommended $500m (£210m) emergency aid to Pakistan. “I have made no such recommendation,” he told reporters.
About 120 Bengalis with placards reading “Foreign Aid for Pakistan means genocide for Bangla Desh” (East Pakistan) staged a silent demonstration outside the World Bank offices as the delegates gathered here. The demonstrators had travelled overnight from London and Birmingham.—Reuter.