Secret
Telegram
From:
American Embassy London
To:
Secretary State, Washington DC
December 6, 1971
Subject:
British View of South Asian Conflict.
1.
Sutherland, head FCO South Asian Dept., told us today that British stance on
South Asian crisis, most recently manifested in UNSC posture, is based on firm
assumption that India will win and that Bangla Desh will be established as
independent country. Sutherland said this position "not a valiant
one" but realistic.
2. Sutherland confirmed that UK will continue to abstain on
any UNSC vote which Whitehall feels will be vetoed, or
rejected by one of parties to conflict. FCO regards US type resolution as worthy,
but considers it futile exercise since any resolution of that type is certain
to be vetoed. UK toyed with idea yesterday
of trying for simple ceasefire resolution but thought even that was too likely
to meet with resistance, and hence dropped it.
3.
Fonsec Douglas-Home's statement in Commons this afternoon will not rpt not
blame either India or Pakistan for full-scale fighting.
4.
Comment: British are very active with communications to New Delhi and Islamabad. Indian ambassador and
Pakistan Hicomer are being called in. However, we gain impression from FCO
that, at least as of now, HMG does not rpt not have any ideas for initiatives
which might contain or stop fighting. Our strongest impression, however, is
that Britain is determined, come what
may, to be able to live with whatever emerges from present conflict.
Source: Bangladesh Liberation War and the Nixon House 1971, Enayetur
Rahim and Joyce L. Rahim, Pustaka Dhaka, p – 418 - 419