Boston Globe

WASHINGTON.-Indifference by the US and other nations to millions of East Pakistani refugees is bringing the South Asia region "towards the brink of war," Sen. Edward M. Kennedy charged yesterday.

In a letter to Secretary of State William P. Rogers, Kennedy said reports to his subcommittee indicate that at least 3.5 million refugees have already crossed into India.

The exodus began two months ago when the Pakistani government moved to put down the Bengali independence movement.

Prime Minister Indira Gandhi of India also estimated this week that the refugee total had reached 3.5 million.

Kennedy said: "Their number increases daily at a rate approaching 100,000 a day."

Mrs. Gandhi's estimate of the daily flow was 60,000. Kennedy said: "Our national leadership seems tragically immobile while a whole region moves towards the brink of war...."

Earlier this week a State Department spokesman said the United States is planning to assist the East Pakistanis on a "high priority basis," including the deployment of coastal vessels to move supplies.

Faced with logistical difficulties, the United States is prepared to send a specialist from the Agriculture Department to survey port facilities for off-loading, the spokesman told reporters.

The United States has also promised 150 metric tons of food grain as soon as arrangements for delivery are complete, and has set aside 200,000 metric tons of surplus foods in Karachi to be shipped to East Pakistan when conditions permit. Another 170,000 metric tons of food is available in the US for eventual shipment, the State Department said.

Kennedy, whose subcommittee has prodded the government on refugee activities in Southeast Asia and Nigeria said:

"The situation continues to deteriorate. Nearly all reports, including those to our government, tell of growing human need, sporadic military conflict, lack of government services and deepening divisions between the central government and the people of East Pakistan." Growing political tensions between Pakistan and India "escalate daily," Kennedy said, and threaten "great power confrontations." The government of Pakistan has strong ties with China.

In his letter to Rogers, Kennedy:

Asked for stronger efforts by individual governments and by the United Nations to encourage political accommodation between the central Pakistan government and the rebels of East Pakistan.

Called on the US to respond immediately to Pakistan's food, water and medical needs.

Suggested immediate initiatives by the United States and other governments to cool "escalating tension" between Pakistan and India.

Urged the United States to take unilateral action to aid India's appeal for refugee assistance even if the UN continues to be unresponsive to India's requests.