August 8, 1971

Shamsuddoza Sajen

YAHYA SEEKS BRITISH SUPPORT

Pakistan President Yahya Khan said that he would like British mediation between India and Pakistan. “But,” Yahya continued, “I do not want it if she [Britian] remains much less than neutral.”

In an interview with The Sunday Times, the general said, “The risk of war with India had grown. There are skirmishes daily. …continuous statements from the Indian leaders that they will do this or that against Pakistan have justified me in stating there is real danger if this is allowed to continue.”

THANT’S HELP SOUGHT FOR MUJIB’S RELEASE

The Bangladesh Central Action Committee appealed to the UN Secretary General U Thant for his personal intervention in saving the life of the Bangladesh leader Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. In a cable to U Thant, the convener of the committee, SK Day, said any secret trial of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman or his execution by the West Pakistan rulers would be contrary to the rule of law and human rights charter and would start a fresh conflagration.

GROMYKO MEETS SWARAN SINGH

A crowd of about 4,000, mostly members of India’s pro-Moscow Communist party, gave Soviet Foreign Minister Gromyko a tumultuous welcome at New Delhi’s Palam Airport today. Many carried Soviet flags and banners with slogans supporting the Bangalee independence movement in East Pakistan.