Department of State

 

TELEGRAM

CONFIDENTIAL

 

 

ACTION:  Amembassy PARIS

 

INFO:       Amembassy ISLAMABAD

     Amembassy LONDON

     Amembassy NEW DELHI

     Amconsul    CALCUTTA

     Amconsul    DACCA

 

STATE

EXDIS

 

1. Ambassador Lucet of France called on Asst Secy Sisco November 24 to bring him up-to-date on French actions in regard to the Indo/Pak situation. Lucet stated that on November 18 French Ambassador in Islamabad gave President Yahya a letter from President Pompidou. Letter stated that French, while not wanting to interfere in domestic affairs of friend, thought that political action should be taken as soon as possible, that a new dialogue necessary between Islamabad and "political chiefs of the Awami League or Sheikh Mujib himself." Yahya's response was "not very positive." He said he wants to follow his constitutional plan; that he is ready to have discussions but only with "those who have not committed crimes." Mujib, Yahya said, is a traitor under the influence of India. Yahya stressed that Pakistan is dedicated to peace, wants to promote reconciliation and hopes that others will use their powers to pressure India to de-escalate situation.

 

2. Lucet also reported on conversation between Pak Foreign Secretary Sultan Khan and Secretary General Alphand in Paris. Khan told French that Yahya supported "reform" in East Pakistan, that they had expected Awami League victory in 1970 elections, but that Indian influence over Awami League leaders rapidly became "great." Situation in East Pakistan is now "calm;" crops are good. It is important that plans for elections in December be continued. Yahya has appealed to India for cooperation but gets no response except suggestions that he negotiate with Bangla Desh leaders. GOP willing to cooperate with UN, to accept SYG's offer of good offices and to mutually withdraw forces from border confrontation. GOP also ready accept refugees back in East Pakistan but India preventing their flow. Mujib will be tried; his participation in any dialogue would be "irrelevant" and "impossible." Khan noted that 1970 election was not referendum for or against secession. Alphand replied that it difficult imagine conciliation without dialogue with Awami League reps and that it important that they participate in national assembly.

 

3. Based on these indications, general French feeling, summarized by Lucet, is that Yahya is sticking to his October 12 plan, hopes that there will be favorable developments in next few weeks, knows that Indian army stronger than his, but does not rpt not accept political solution to problem because he thinks that is equivalent to secession of East Pakistan. Lucet also noted that French Government had issued statement today which expressed hope that both nations would refrain from actions which would exacerbate situation.

 

4. Sisco stated that USG does not have lot of independent information of our own as to what is going on but on basis of limited information available to us we operate on assumption that press reports are essentially correct. Both Mukti Bahini and regular Indian forces are attacking inside East Pakistan. India has now confirmed border crossing and Mrs Gandhi has stated that troops shall continue to be allowed to cross border in order defend themselves. We think there is "substantial test in force" with both political and military goals. We don't think India has decided on all-out war. Political goal is to further increase pressure on Yahya to political compromise; military goal is to strengthen Mukti Bahini and while limited now this could provide basis for future larger scale actions. Our concern has increased because of GOI confirmation of border crossings and we have called in both Indian Charge'and Pak Ambassador to express concern. Further our Ambassador in New Delhi has been instructed raise issue with Indian Foreign Minister.

 

5. Lucet closed conversation with brief description of discussion of French Ambassador in Peking with Chinese Deputy Foreign Minister Chi Peng Fei. Chi quoted as saying "we've told Pakistanis to keep quiet and we think they will." Asked what this meant, Lucet said he took it to mean that Chinese too have advised Pak to follow moderate course.

 

6. Depy Asst Secy Van Hollen same afternoon briefed British Embassy Counselor Moberly along lines para 4.

 

END

 

IRWIN

 

 

Source:  The American Papers – Secret and Confidential India.Pakistan.Bangladesh Documents 1965-1973, University Press Limited, p.724 - 725