The Indian Defence Minister, Mr. Jag Jivan Ram, gave a warning yesterday that if war were thrust on India, she would not withdraw from captured Pakistani cities. But there were reports from Karachi that President Yahya Khan had suggested that both sides withdraw from the frontier. The warning from Mr. Ram came as authorities in the Punjab, bordering West Pakistan, were reported to have tightened civil defence measures.

Mr. Ram speaking near Julundur in northern India, about fifty miles from the frontier, said Indian forces would not pull back until the East Pakistani crisis was solved. “India will not submit to world pressure in this regard,” he said. Referring to reports that civilians were being evacuated from the West Pakistani cities of Lahore and Sialkot, he said : “If war is thrust on us by the Pakistani military junta, our forces will march forward and occupy these cities. This time we will not withdraw from the occupied Pakistani territory, come what may.” He said, President Yahya had begun making threats of war against India because guerrilla forces fighting for an independent Bangladesh were gaining ground. “We are fully prepared to meet such threats even though we know barking dogs seldom bite,” Mr. Ram said.

At a banquet in honour of President Tito, President Giri said Indian resources had been strained to the maximum by the nine million refugees. India has exercised great restraint, but could not maintain the refugees much longer. She was determined that they should go home in conditions of safety and dignity, “we are convinced that the only lasting and practical solution lies in restoration of the human rights and fundamental freedoms of the people of East Bengal.”

US TOUR

President Tito, who is on a one-day visit, will discuss the problem with Mrs. Gandhi, the Indian Prime Minister, today. Although she considers the situation along the border very serious, there has been no indication that Mrs. Gandhi intends to alter plans for a three-week tour of Western Europe and the United States. President Yahya’s proposal was reported by the Associated Press of Pakistan to have been made to Mr. Podgorny, the Soviet President. They met last week at Persepolis, during the Iranian anniversary celebrations. The agency report said: “President Yahya told President Podgorny that if Indian professions of peace were genuine, they should withdraw their armed forces from the borders of Pakistan, and cease infiltration and other hostile acts. Pakistan on its part would also withdraw its armed forces from present defensive positions along the borders.”

President Podgorny was also reported to have had talks in Persepolis with President Giri. This was considered normal in view of the Indo-Soviet treaty of friendship. Sources in Tehran suggested that the Soviet Union may have been attempting mediation between India and Pakistan. President Podgorny was said to have made proposals aimed at initiating talks over the situation in East Pakistan.