Sir, I read with deep concern the advertisement by eminent Pakistani which you print today. I understand, and I respect, their views. But, with respect, they have not understood the vital interest of all other nations in the Bengal war

As you said in your important leader (July 30). this war is already “in progress, and mobilization is gathering momentum”, while, “if nothing is done, India and Pakistan will find themselves at war”.

As you urged, these are two separate, but decisive, reasons for immediate action by the UN Under the Charter, any war, or danger of war, is a matter of vital concern to every Member-State in the UN. You and Senator Eugene McCarthy rightly argue that it cannot be claimed that, under Article 2 (7). the Bengal war is a matter of “exclusive domestic (Pakistani) jurisdiction”. Apartheid, the refusal of civil rights to 12 million Bantus, is universally recognized—not least by India and Pakistan—as a matter which affects the peace of the world. A fortiori, the action of the whole West Pakistan forces against the scores of millions who voted last November for the Awami League, must be a matter of universal UN concern.

The wars can only be stopped, or averted, by a political settlement. The power of world opinion, mobilized through the Security Council or the General Assembly, is incomparably the best hope of calming the passions on both sides, and of securing a settlement that is honourably acceptable to them both and to the conscience of mankind.

But world opinion cannot be mobilized by diplomats or officials. Only Ministers of Foreign Affairs have the authority required: and they must be ready for weeks or months of public debate in the UN. They have no other duty of comparable importance: the lives of many millions, and the fate of the UN as an instrument of peace, are now at stake.

It may well be that such action in the UN would not be welcome to right wing or perhaps other people in either India or Pakistan. That is no reason to refrain from action. The wider interests of all nations should prevail.

I was the Minister who piloted through Parliament the Bills which gave India and Pakistan their independence; I believe the British Foreign Secretary should now take the lead.
Yours, etc.
PHILIP NOEL BAKER.
16 South Eaton Place, SW1,
August 3.