Observer (London)

Moscow, 27 March. Soviet opinion is rapidly shifting in favour of recognizing East Bengal as a separate State. Though Moscow does not propose to make any rash move, it increasingly feels that recognition by the Big Powers as early as possible is the only way to stop the slaughter in the Pakistan civil war. Recognition of Bangladesh, as East Pakistan wants to call herself, will open the way for some form of international protection to be accorded to East Bengal and save it from further harassment by the military forces of General Yahya Khan, the Pakistan President.

Soviet recognition, however, will depend upon several factors, first and foremost the East Bengalis’ ability to sustain their resistance to West Pakistan, with or without the presence of the rebel leader, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. It may be delayed, too, if Yahya Khan shows any sign of making a new bid to undo the damage already done. But Yahya’s stock here has now fallen very low. Moscow will also watch for the political moves made by other Big Powers.

Russians are keenly aware that their political interests and economic ties are for the most part with West Pakistan. But they do not want to be a party to the West Pakistani suppression of East Bengal, especially if the issue is raised at any international forum. They would still prefer a united Pakistan. They have evidently concluded that a united Pakistan is for all practical purposes dead. Even if by some miracle it survives, it will be united in name only and held together with bayonets.